A Patient Expresses Concern About Becoming Addicted to a Prescription

question 24

Multiple Choice

A patient expresses concern about becoming addicted to a prescription pain medication ordered postoperatively. What nursing responses are indicated?

• A) "The dose of your medication is as low as possible."
• B) "You will only take the medication for a short time."
• C) "If you follow the suggested schedule, you have little risk of addiction."
• D) "If you need this medication, you cannot become addicted to it."
• E) "Take the medication now, and we will worry about addiction later."

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Definitions:

Prematurely

Occurring or happening before the expected or usual time, often used to describe births that occur before 37 weeks of gestation.

Breathing Patterns

The rhythm, depth, and rate of an individual's breathing, which can indicate health status or respiratory issues.

Peripheral Pulses

Pulses that can be palpated over arteries located a distance from the heart, typically in the limbs, used to assess circulatory status in those areas.

Hypotensive

Relating to or suffering from low blood pressure.