A patient with a compressed disc in the lumbar region takes Vicodin every 6 hours for pain control. The patient tells the nurse, "This pain medication just doesn't seem to be working anymore." Which response by the nurse is best?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tolerance is a common side effect of narcotic pain medications and can occur with long-term use. The nurse should educate the patient on this possibility and discuss alternative pain management options with the healthcare provider. Asking about water intake or blood tests may not address the underlying issue of tolerance. Asking about the patient's pain rating may provide some information, but the best course of action is to address the possibility of tolerance.

A Patient with a Compressed Disc in the Lumbar Region