Pain Management Nursing Practice Exam

The correct situation in which a nurse should prioritize seeking clarification of a pain medication prescription is when a 35-year-old opioid-naïve adult is receiving a basal dose of morphine via intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA).

In this case, the patient's lack of prior exposure to opioids raises significant concerns. Opioid-naïve individuals are particularly vulnerable to the effects of opioids, including potential respiratory depression, sedation, and the risk of overdose. When initiating opioid therapy, especially with a potent agent like morphine, it is crucial to ensure that the prescribed dose is appropriate and safe for someone who has never taken opioids before.

Clarifying the prescription allows the nurse to confirm whether the dosage aligns with guidelines for starting opioids in opioid-naïve patients, ensuring patient safety and effective pain management. It may also allow for adjustments to be made based on the patient's individual factors such as their weight, overall health status, and pain level, further reducing the risk of adverse effects.

In the other scenarios, while they may warrant attention, they do not present the same level of urgent risk associated with initiating opioid medications in someone who is opioid-naïve. A discharged patient on NSAIDs, an adult prescribed an as-needed