A terminally ill patient with cancer is experiencing increased pain.Nursing implications used to care for this patient include which of the following?
A) Giving medications as needed
B) Using the World Health Organization three-step approach
C) Using a holistic approach to pain management
D) Holding regular doses to prevent life-threatening side effects

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Administering analgesics to treat cancer-related pain requires applying principles different from those used to treat acute pain.The WHO (1990)has recommended a three-step approach to managing cancer pain.Therapy begins with NSAIDs and/or adjuvants and progresses to strong opioids if pain persists.Side effects of opioids such as nausea and constipation are treated aggressively so patients are able to continue using them.Patients usually become tolerant to their side effects,with the exception of constipation.For patients with cancer the aim of drug therapy is to anticipate and prevent or minimize pain.Therefore it is necessary to give required analgesic dosages regularly,even when pain subsides.Regular administration maintains blood levels for ongoing pain control.

A Terminally Ill Patient with Cancer Is Experiencing Increased Pain