ATI Advanced Pharmacology Final Exam I Related

Review ATI Advanced Pharmacology Final Exam I related questions and content

Which patient may require a higher-than-expected dose of an opioid analgesic?

  • A. A patient 3 days after surgery.
  • B. A patient with cancer.
  • C. A patient with hypotension.
  • D. A patient with a concussion.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: A patient with cancer. Patients with cancer often have higher pain levels due to tumor growth, nerve compression, or treatment side effects, requiring higher opioid doses for adequate pain relief. Patients 3 days after surgery (A) may need opioids initially but typically require lower doses as pain decreases. Patients with hypotension (C) may be more sensitive to opioids, necessitating lower doses. Patients with a concussion (D) may have altered mental status, making opioid use risky.