Medication Question---Hospice Related

Nursing Students Student Assist

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I am hoping someone can help me. Due to the lovely weather we have been having in the midwest, I only received a very very brief description on how to calculate approximate equivalent dosages of medications allowed for a hospice client.

ex: My client has taken 14 Lortab 5/325 in the past 24 hours

The Rn needs to call the doctor and request an order for MS Contin--MSIR.

I have been asked to calculate approximate equivalent dosages of oxycodone and morphine in an equianalgesic table.

Please help! I am not sure how to correctly convert.

What would be a good teaching plan for 24 hour administration?

Thanks for any help or advice! :confused: :uhoh3:

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Wow, that sounds way over my head! Good luck and I will check back to see what the advice is!

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

Is this a homework question?

Converting Lortab usage to morphine dosage is in the category of "ask the MD."

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This is a homework question!

The instructor said that we should be able to calculate it before we call the doctor requesting new orders.

I have no idea how to do this.

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Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

You need an "equianalgesic table"

Google the phrase in quotes and you should be able to find your answer

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

With a 50% reduction for incomplete cross tolerance, 14 5/325 Lortab is equivalent to 35 mg MSIR PO. Remember this is just a starting point and typically a larger dose of MSIR is needed. When introducing new drugs always go by the old adage, "start on the lower end and work your way up." Good luck with school.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
I am hoping someone can help me. Due to the lovely weather we have been having in the midwest, I only received a very very brief description on how to calculate approximate equivalent dosages of medications allowed for a hospice client.

ex: My client has taken 14 Lortab 5/325 in the past 24 hours

The Rn needs to call the doctor and request an order for MS Contin--MSIR.

I have been asked to calculate approximate equivalent dosages of oxycodone and morphine in an equianalgesic table.

Please help! I am not sure how to correctly convert.

What would be a good teaching plan for 24 hour administration?

Thanks for any help or advice! :confused: :uhoh3:

Lortab contains hydrocodone....not oxycodone.

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Pharmacy........give them a call.:nurse:

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.
This is a homework question!

The instructor said that we should be able to calculate it before we call the doctor requesting new orders.

I have no idea how to do this.

Try posting on the student forum.

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Thank you for all your help!

CRNA1982--Thank you!

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there are many equianalgesic conversion charts out there.

here's one that is extremely easy to use.

a pt's sensitivity to cross tolerance always needs to be considered as part of the equation.

be extra cautious with those who are opioid naive.

http://www.globalrph.com/narcotic.cgi

leslie

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Lortab contains hydrocodone....not oxycodone.

I typed that directly from the sheet that was given me. I thought it looked weird, so I did go back and double check it before I posted. These instructors are not helping----I am already confused enough!

Thanks again for your help!

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