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A patient who is receiving care for osteosarcoma has been experiencing severe pain since being diagnosed. As a result, the patient has been receiving analgesics on both a scheduled and PRN basis. For the past several hours, however, the patients level of consciousness has declined and she is now unresponsive. How should the patients pain control regimen be affected?

  • A. The patients pain control regimen should be continued.
  • B. The pain control regimen should be placed on hold until the patients level of consciousness improves.
  • C. IV analgesics should be withheld and replaced with transdermal analgesics.
  • D. The patients analgesic dosages should be reduced by approximately one half. Chapter 36: Immune : HIV/AIDS: stages, testing, complications, assessment; care & Safe Sexual practices
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. When a patient's level of consciousness declines and becomes unresponsive, it may indicate a potential overdose of analgesics. To ensure patient safety, IV analgesics should be withheld and replaced with transdermal analgesics, which provide a more controlled and gradual release of medication. This switch helps prevent further overdose and adverse effects. Continuing the current pain control regimen (Choice A) may worsen the situation. Placing the pain control regimen on hold (Choice B) may lead to inadequate pain management. Reducing analgesic dosages (Choice D) may not be sufficient in addressing the overdose issue.