The parents of a child hospitalized with sickle cell anemia tell the nurse that they are concerned about narcotic analgesics causing addiction.What should the nurse explain about narcotic analgesics?
A) They are often ordered but not usually needed.
B) They rarely cause addiction because they are medically indicated.
C) They are given as a last resort because of the threat of addiction.
D) They are used only if other measures,such as ice packs,are ineffective.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The pain of sickle cell anemia is best treated using a multidisciplinary approach.Mild to moderate pain can be controlled by ibuprofen and acetaminophen.When narcotics are indicated,they are titrated to effect and given around the clock.Patient-controlled analgesia reinforces the patient's role and responsibility in managing the pain and provides flexibility in dealing with it.Few if any patients who receive opioids for severe pain become behaviourally addicted to the drug.Narcotics are often used because of the severe nature of the pain of vaso-occlusive crisis.Ice is contraindicated because of its vasoconstrictive effects.

The Parents of a Child Hospitalized with Sickle Cell Anemia