Medical Surgical Nursing NCLEX RN Questions Related

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A 52-year-old male was discharged from the hospital for cancer-related pain. His pain appeared to be well controlled on the I.V. morphine. He was switched to oral morphine when discharged 2 days ago. He now reports his pain as an 8 on a 10-point scale and wants the I.V. morphine. Which of the following represents the most likely explanation for the client's reports of inadequate pain control?

  • A. He is addicted to the I.V. morphine.
  • B. He is going through withdrawal from the I.V. opioid.
  • C. He is physically dependent on the I.V. morphine.
  • D. He is undermedicated on the oral opioid.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Inadequate pain control after switching to oral morphine likely indicates undermedication, possibly due to incorrect equianalgesic dosing (oral morphine requires a higher dose than I.V. due to first-pass metabolism).