Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 64%
Full-length
A client is taking hydrocodone (Vicodin) for chronic back pain. The client has required an increase in the dose and asks whether this means he is addicted to Vicodin. The nurse should base her reply on the knowledge that:
Correct answer
A
Rationale
Tolerance, requiring higher doses for the same effect, is common with long-term opioid use and does not equate to addiction. Addiction involves psychological dependence, not described here. Psychosocial Integrity