The physician orders 4 mg of oxycodone to be delivered every 6 hours.After 4 hours,the patient is complaining that she is in more pain.The nurse advises the physician to make which medication adjustment?
A) Add an additional narcotic on top of the oxycodone.
B) Divide the dose in half and administer 2 mg every 3 hours.
C) Give another 4 mg of oxycodone after 4 hours.
D) Change the medication being administered for pain relief.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's metabolism causes the peak effect to occur when the medicine is at its highest concentration.After reaching its peak,the serum concentration of the medication falls progressively.By spreading out the dose,the patient should receive constant pain relief.Changing the medication,increasing the dose,or adding another medication is not the best course of action.

The Physician Orders 4 Mg of Oxycodone to Be Delivered