A patient has been requesting hydrocodone/acetaminophen (Vicodin) for pain every 4 hours for several days. Now the patient calls the nurse after only 3 hours and says, "I need more Vicodin. The pain is worse." On which initial assumption should the nurse base a decision about what to do next?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse should assume that the patient is in pain and assess the intensity and quality of the pain before determining the appropriate course of action. It is not appropriate to assume addiction or drug-seeking behavior without further assessment. The possibility of physical dependence on the medication should also be considered, but this should not be the initial assumption.

A Patient Has Been Requesting Hydrocodone/acetaminophen (Vicodin) for Pain Every