TraumaQueenRN4

No! Just wondering if it's technically a med error. It's hard when doctors wont give anything else for pain. Sometimes you have to work with what you've got, but the gray area makes it difficult.

I have a question regarding pain meds. Let's say you have a patient with kidney stones that it awaiting surgery, until then you are keeping them comfortable with pain meds. Ordered meds are norco 10mg q4 prn for moderate pain and dilaudid 0.5mg q2 prn for severe pain. Pt is a large built male, tolerating meds without issue except always has a pain level of 8. Has been in hospital for a day, dilaudid is given for initial pain of 8 and norco is given at the same time for when the dilaudid wears off. Nurse A says this administration method is ok bc the dilaudid acts in about 15 minutes and wears off in about 45 minutes to an hour, and the norco doesnt start to work for about 45 minutes to an hour. Nurse B says this is incorrect and the norco must be given first and dilaudid given 45 minutes to 1 hr after. Nurse A believes Nurse B is incorrect because both meds would be kicking in at the same time with Bs administration method. What do you all think? Note: patients pain is more controlled with As admin schedule vs Bs.

i just got my first rn job, i'll be working on a discharge unit/alternate level of care unit, basically caring for people awaiting discharge to nursing homes and such. i'm working overnights 7pm to 7 am. i guess i'd just like some advice or words of encouragement. i got this far, so i hope i do well! i'm just nervous, as i suppose most if not all new grads are. so....any advice for me? TIA!!