Question

a nurse is caring for a client who reports severe back pain at 1400. the clients prescriptions include oxycodone extended - release 20 mg po every 12 hr (last dose received at 0600) and oxycodone immediate - release 5 mg po every 4 hr prn (last dose received at 2300 the day before). which of the following actions should the nurse take? contact the provider to request an order for a different pain medication. administer oxycodone immediate - release 5 mg po at 1600. administer oxycodone immediate - release 5 mg po now. contact the provider to request an increase in the oxycodone extended - release dose.

Explanation:

• The client last received oxycodone immediate - release at 2300 the day before. At 1400, the time elapsed since the last dose is \(1400 - 2300=15\) hours. Since the PRN (as - needed) order is every 4 hours, it has been more than 4 hours.
• Oxycodone extended - release is given every 12 hours (last dose at 0600). At 1400, it is not yet time for the next extended - release dose (next would be at 1800).
• There is no indication that a different pain medication or an increase in the extended - release dose is immediately necessary as the immediate - release can be given per the PRN order.

Answer:

Administer oxycodone immediate - release 5 mg PO now.