A Hospice Patient Is Taking Rather Strong Narcotics with Good

question 16

Multiple Choice

A hospice patient is taking rather strong narcotics with good pain control, but today the patient's family tells the nurse that the client does not want to become addicted. Which of the following is the best response by the nurse?

• A) "But you're dying, what difference will it make if you become addicted?"
• B) "You can try not to take so much so frequently if you are concerned."
• C) "You may develop tolerance but you can't be addicted when you're using the medication for pain control."
• D) "You need strong narcotics to control your pain; we want to keep you comfortable."
• E) "We'll keep you comfortable using some nonnarcotic drugs if that is what you prefer."

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