The 17-month-old infant is terminally ill with cancer and is in constant pain. The nurse recognizes that the best way to control pain in this child would be for the physician to order:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Intravenously administered opioids on a scheduled basis is the best way to control pain in a terminally ill infant with cancer, as it provides constant pain relief. Patient-controlled analgesia may not be appropriate for an infant of this age, and prn administration may result in peaks and troughs of pain relief. Parenteral administration may be necessary if the infant is unable to tolerate oral medication, but there is no evidence to suggest that it is more effective than oral medication in controlling pain.

The 17-Month-Old Infant Is Terminally Ill with Cancer and Is