The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Who Requires an Opiate

Multiple Choice

The nurse is caring for a patient who requires an opiate medication for chronic pain associated with a previous injury. The patient tells the nurse, "Even though I don't feel like I'm addicted to the medication, I get tremors in my hands if I miss a dose." What is the nurse's best response?

A) "You may be addicted to the medication, but not necessarily physically dependent."
B) "You may be physically dependent on the medication, but not necessarily addicted."
C) "The symptoms you describe are indicative of addiction, whether you feel you are or not."
D) "The symptoms you describe relate to your disease state and are not normal."