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1. A caregiver is taking care of a patient with chronic pain
who is prescribed opioid medication. The caregiver notices
that the patient is becoming more irritable, restless, and
anxious. The caregiver suspects that the patient is
experiencing:
a) Opioid tolerance
b) Opioid dependence
c) Opioid withdrawal*
d) Opioid overdose
Rationale: Opioid withdrawal is a syndrome that occurs
when a person who has been taking opioids for a long time
suddenly stops or reduces their dose. It can cause
symptoms such as irritability, restlessness, anxiety, muscle
aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and sweating. Opioid
tolerance is a condition where the body adapts to the effects
of opioids and requires higher doses to achieve the same
effect. Opioid dependence is a state where the body relies
on opioids to function normally and experiences
withdrawal symptoms when opioids are absent. Opioid
overdose is a life-threatening situation where too much
opioid causes respiratory depression, coma, and death.
2. A caregiver is taking care of a patient with terminal
cancer who has expressed a wish to die at home. The
caregiver wants to respect the patient's preference and
provide comfort care. The caregiver should:
a) Discuss the patient's goals of care and advance directives
with the patient and the health care team*
b) Arrange for hospice or palliative care services to supportÂ
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