Question

A nurse is caring for a client who has a new prescription for an opioid analgesic for cancer pain. The nurse has taught the mechanism of action, side effects and how to manage them, what to report to the provider, and how to take the medication. What other teaching topic does the nurse include as the priority?

a. Other medications that might be prescribed
b. Fears related to addiction to the medication
c. Contact information for the prescribing provider
d. How to titrate the medication based on pain

Answer 1

The nurse should prioritize teaching the client how to titrate the medication based on pain.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should prioritize teaching the client about how to titrate the medication based on pain. Titrating the medication allows the client to adjust the dose to achieve optimal pain relief without experiencing excessive side effects or sedation. By teaching the client how to titrate the medication, the nurse empowers the client to actively manage their pain and take control of their pain management plan.