Final answer:
The administration of an opioid analgesic to a child is mainly done for effective pain control. While there are risks of respiratory depression and addiction, these are managed by medical professionals to minimize side effects and provide necessary pain relief. Option c is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The administration of an opioid analgesic to a 3-year-old is primarily effective as a pain control method. It is critical to understand that opioids can be essential for managing severe pain in various medical settings, including for children. For instance, drugs like codeine and morphine are often prescribed for moderate to severe pain, whereas medications like oxycodone may be prescribed for acute pain from trauma or chronic pain from conditions like cancer or arthritis.
While there is a risk that opioids can cause significant respiratory depression, medical professionals carefully calculate dosages to minimize this risk, especially in younger patients who are more susceptible to such side effects. Regarding addiction, while the potential for addiction cannot be ignored given that anyone taking prescription opioids can become addicted, the risk must be balanced against the need for effective pain management.
The use of opioids in children is generally reserved for instances where the pain is significant enough that the benefits outweigh the risks, and this use is closely monitored.
Opioid medications are powerful tools in medicine, but they must be used with caution and under strict medical supervision to avoid the potential complications of addiction and respiratory depression. At the same time, recognizing the utility of these drugs in appropriate circumstances is essential for effective pain relief.