A patient complaining of back pain tells the nurse that he needs ...

[khang]

A patient complaining of back pain tells the nurse that he needs several refills on any prescription since he takes the medication more frequently than prescribed. What should this information suggest to the nurse?
 
  1. The patient has lost control over the consumption of the pain medication.
  2. The patient is impulsive.
  3. The patient uses the pain medication to fit in with a peer group.
  4. The patient uses the pain medication to overcome low self-esteem.

Question 2

A patient recovering from outpatient carpal tunnel surgery returns to the surgical center the next day and tells the nurse that she is having trouble attending to daily activities and the pain is excruciating,
 
  so she wants stronger pain medication immediately. What should this patient's behavior suggest to the nurse?
 
  1. The patient could have a substance abuse problem.
  2. A nerve was cut during the procedure.
  3. The patient was not given strong enough postoperative pain medication.
  4. The patient is under stress to return to work.

[Eazy416]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1

Addictive behavior associated with substance use is characterized by loss of control over consumption. The patient states that he is taking the medication more frequently that prescribed, which could indicate a loss of control. There is not enough information to support the idea that the patient is being impulsive, is using the pain medication to fit in with a peer group, or is using the pain medication to overcome low self-esteem.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1

Abusers often have a low tolerance for frustration and pain. Since the patient had surgery the day before and is now reporting excruciating pain and demanding more pain medication, this could indicate that the patient has a substance abuse problem. There would be a sensorimotor deficit if the nerve had been cut during the procedure. There is not enough information to determine whether the patient was not given strong enough postoperative pain medication or whether the patient is under stress to return to work.