Question

a client receives a new prescription for pentazocine, a mixed opioid agonist - antagonist, after an opioid agonist is discontinued. what is the advantage for the client when the new prescription is implemented?
a respiratory depression is less.
b the analgesic ceiling is higher.
c tolerance does not occur.
d less agitation is experienced.

Explanation:

1. Analyze Option A: Mixed opioid agonist - antagonists like pentazocine have a ceiling effect on respiratory depression. Compared to pure opioid agonists, they cause less respiratory depression.
2. Analyze Option B: The analgesic ceiling of mixed opioid agonist - antagonists is lower than that of pure opioid agonists, not higher.
3. Analyze Option C: Tolerance can still occur with pentazocine, so this statement is incorrect.
4. Analyze Option D: Pentazocine does not have a specific effect of reducing agitation compared to pure opioid agonists, and in fact, it may cause psychological effects like dysphoria which can increase agitation in some cases.

Answer:

A. Respiratory depression is less.