A patient with cancer has been taking an opioid analgesic 4 times daily for several months and reports needing increased doses for pain. What will the nurse tell the patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This patient is developing tolerance, which occurs over time and is evidenced by the need for a larger dose to produce the effect formerly produced by a smaller dose. This patient should be encouraged to request an increased dose. PRN dosing is less effective than scheduled, around-the-clock dosing. The risk of respiratory depression decreases over time as patients develop tolerance to this effect. Benzodiazepines are CNS depressants and should not be given with opioids, because they increase the risk of oversedation.

A Patient with Cancer Has Been Taking an Opioid Analgesic