After receiving medication for mild pain, the client states that the p

After receiving medication for mild pain, the client states that the pain is getting worse. What should the nurse plan to do for this client?

1. Administer another dose of a nonopioid medication.
2. Administer an opioid for severe pain.
3. Administer an opioid for moderate pain.
4. Administer two doses of an opioid for moderate pain.

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Because the client’s pain is persisting, the next step of the WHO ladder for pain control must be applied.
Rationale 2: The next step of the WHO ladder for pain indicates that an opioid for moderate pain be provided, not an opioid for severe pain.
Rationale 3: If the client has mild pain that persists or increases despite using full doses of step 1 medications, or if the pain is moderate, then a step 2 regimen is appropriate. At the second step, an opioid for moderate pain or a combination of opioid and nonopioid medicine is provided with or without coanalgesic medications.
Rationale 4: The client should not receive two doses of an opioid for moderate pain at one time.