You are caring for an elderly woman with suspected vertebral fracture secondary to osteoporosis. She frequently takes a hydrocodone-containing preparation (Vicoprofen) for pain. With her current injury, you find it necessary to administer a greater-than-expected dosage of morphine. Why is this higher dosage needed?
A) Cross tolerance
B) Psychological dependency
C) Potentiation
D) Synergism

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient is likely experiencing cross-tolerance, which is when tolerance to one drug causes a decreased response to another drug in the same class. Both hydrocodone and morphine are opioid analgesics, so the patient's frequent use of hydrocodone has likely caused a decreased response to morphine, requiring a higher dosage to achieve pain relief.

You Are Caring for an Elderly Woman with Suspected Vertebral