Author Question: Which is the best pain medication option for a patient to manage severe long-term cancer pain at ... (Read 89 times)

azncindy619 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

Which is the best pain medication option for a patient to manage severe long-term cancer pain at home?

a. Duragesic 50 mcg transdermal patch q 72 hours
b. Meperidine (Demerol) 50 mg IM q 6 hours
c. Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) 0.2 mg q 10 minutes IV via PCA pump
d. Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) 0.08 mg/hour infusion through epidural catheter

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a patient who has severe abdominal pain caused by acute cholecystitis. What type of pain is this patient experiencing?

a. Visceral pain
b. Somatic pain
c. Radiating pain
d. Referred pain

IRincones · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Duragesic transdermal patch is the best pain management option for home use with patients who have long-term, severe cancer pain as no injections are required and the fentanyl is slowly released over 72 hours. Epidurals and PCA pumps are intended for hospital use. Frequent IM injections require nursing administration and are not optimal for chronic long-term pain.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Visceral pain arises from the organs of the body and occurs when inflammation and tissue damage occurs, such as with cholecystitis. Somatic pain occurs when there is tissue damage to skin, muscle, joints, and bones. Referred pain occurs when the discomfort is felt at a location other than the origin of the pain. Radiating pain extends to another area of the body.