The patient who had abdominal surgery this morning refuses the opioid pain medication for fear of addiction.How should the nurse respond?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pain from abdominal surgery is acute pain.This patient is not experiencing chronic pain that will require ongoing pain medication,and addiction occurs in fewer than 3% of people who take pain medication.Any medication can be addictive.Addiction is often not merely a matter of attitude.Finally,addictions typically require long-term therapy.

The Patient Who Had Abdominal Surgery This Morning Refuses the Opioid