The health care provider is writing medication orders for a client rec

The health care provider is writing medication orders for a client recovering from spinal fusion surgery. When the client reports pain as a 9 on a scale from 0 to 10, which medications should the nurse consider providing to the client?

1. Oxymorphone (Opana)
2. Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
3. Oxycodone (OxyContin)
4. Morphine sulfate (morphine)
5. Hydromorphone hydrochloride (Dilaudid)

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 1, 3, 4, 5

Rationale 1: Oxymorphone (Opana) is an opioid analgesic for severe pain. Because the client rated the pain as 9, which is severe, this medication is appropriate.

Rationale 2: Hydrocodone (Vicodin) is an opioid analgesic for moderate pain. Considering that the client rates pain as being severe, this medication would not sufficiently control the client’s pain.

Rationale 3: Oxymorphone (Opana) is an opioid analgesic for severe pain. Because the client rated the pain as 9, which is severe, this medication is appropriate.

Rationale 4: Morphine sulfate (morphine) is an opioid analgesic for severe pain. Because the client rated the pain as 9, which is severe, this medication is appropriate.

Rationale 5: Hydromorphone hydrochloride (Dilaudid) is an opioid analgesic for severe pain. Because the client rated the pain as 9, which is severe, this medication is appropriate.