Question

You are caring for a patient with sickle cell disease in her home. Over the years, there has been joint damage, and the patient is in chronic pain. The patient has developed a tolerance to her usual pain medication. When does the tolerance to pain medication become the most significant problem?

1) When it results in inadequate relief from pain
2) When dealing with withdrawal symptoms resulting from the tolerance
3) When having to report the patient's addiction to her physician
4) When the family becomes concerned about increasing dosage

Answer 1

Tolerance to pain medication becomes the most significant problem when it results in inadequate relief from pain.

Step-by-step explanation:

Tolerance to pain medication becomes the most significant problem when it results in inadequate relief from pain. This means that the usual dosage of medication is no longer effective in managing the patient's chronic pain. It is important to address this issue and work with the patient's healthcare provider to explore alternative pain management strategies.