A patient who takes an opioid pain reliever says,"I don't want to take my pain medication too often.It might not work when I really need it." What does the nurse teach this patient regarding tolerance to pain medications?

Question

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The nurse should reassure the patient that tolerance to pain medication is a real phenomenon and can occur over time with regular use. The nurse should also explain that if the patient needs larger doses of medication to control their pain, a healthcare provider can adjust the dosage or prescribe a different medication. It is important to balance pain management with the risk of oversedation, but it is not accurate to tell the patient that tolerance is a myth or to discourage them from taking their medication as prescribed.

A Patient Who Takes an Opioid Pain Reliever Says,"I Don't