Question 37

Administer medications orally when possible

The principle of chronic pain management emphasizes the importance of using oral medications whenever feasible, as this route is generally more convenient and effective for long-term management of pain.

A) Administer medications orally when possible

This option is correct because oral administration of medications is often preferred in chronic pain management. It allows for easier patient compliance, reduces the risk of complications associated with other routes, and can provide stable pain control.

B) Morphine is the initial analgesic of choice

This option is incorrect. While morphine is a strong analgesic, it is not always the first choice for chronic pain management. The initial analgesic should be tailored to the individual patient's needs and may include non-opioid medications or weaker opioids, depending on the severity and type of pain.

C) As-needed dosing is preferred to scheduled dosing

This option is also incorrect. Scheduled dosing is often recommended in chronic pain management to maintain consistent pain control, whereas as-needed dosing may lead to fluctuations in pain levels and inadequate management for patients with persistent pain.

D) Medicate patients with at least two opioids

This option is incorrect as well. Using multiple opioids can increase the risk of side effects and complications without necessarily improving pain control. Chronic pain management typically focuses on optimizing the use of one or a combination of non-opioid and opioid medications rather than defaulting to multiple opioids.

Conclusion

Administering medications orally when possible is the most effective and practical approach in chronic pain management, ensuring better adherence and fewer complications. The other options fail to align with best practices in managing chronic pain, as they may either misrepresent the appropriate use of opioids or suggest less effective dosing strategies.