Question

A client who is terminally ill has been receiving high doses of an opiod analgesic for the past month. As death approaches and the client becomes unresponsive to verbal stimuli,what orders would the nurse expect from the health care provider?

A) Decrease the analgesic dosage by half
B) Discontinue the analgesic
C) Continue the same analgesic dosage
D) Prescribe a less potent drug

Answer 1

The nurse would expect the health care provider to order continuing the same analgesic dosage. Even if the client becomes unresponsive, it is important to provide ongoing pain management and ensure their comfort.

Step-by-step explanation:

As death approaches and the client becomes unresponsive to verbal stimuli, the nurse would expect the health care provider to order continuing the same analgesic dosage. The client, who is terminally ill, has been receiving high doses of an opioid analgesic for the past month to manage their pain. Even if the client becomes unresponsive, it is important to provide ongoing pain management and ensure their comfort.