An older client just returned from surgery and is rating pain as "8" on a 0 to 10 scale.Which medications are unsafe choices for treatment of severe pain in this older adult?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Meperidine,propoxyphene,and codeine are not recommended for older clients because toxic metabolites may accumulate.Codeine may cause constipation as well.Methadone has an extremely long half-life (24 to 36 hours)and has a high potential for sedation and respiratory depression.Morphine is considered the gold standard and may be used in the older adult while monitoring for sedation and respiratory depression is conducted.

An Older Client Just Returned from Surgery and Is Rating