Author Question: A client has terminal cancer. She is taking large doses of opiates to control pain. The nurse ... (Read 32 times)

LCritchfi · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A client has terminal cancer. She is taking large doses of opiates to control pain. The nurse should:

a. inform the client to decrease drug dose to avoid drug addiction.
b. instruct the client to increase drug dose.
c. discontinue the client's opiates to avoid drug addiction.
d. allow the prescribed opiate dose unless drug toxicity occurs.

Question 2

The nurse instructs a client prescribed alprazolam (Xanax) for treatment of short-term anxiety to avoid which herbal preparation?

a. Chamomile
b. Ginger
c. Saw palmetto
d. Valerian

cswans24 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Patients with terminal disease may require large doses of pain medication to manage their pain. The priority in this case is managing the pain, not the potential for addiction.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Valerian interacts with benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax), causing increased central nervous system (CNS) depression.