NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination) Practice Exam

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What type of medication regimen is recommended for moderate pain (4-6)?

  1. Non-opioid only

  2. Opioid for moderate pain

  3. Opioid for mild-moderate pain

  4. Opioid for severe pain

The correct answer is: Opioid for mild-moderate pain

Moderate pain typically falls within the range of 4-6 on a pain scale, which is a significant level of discomfort but not as severe as severe pain. While both non-opioid and opioid medications can be used for moderate pain, it is generally recommended to use opioids for moderate pain only if other treatments are not effective. Non-opioid medications, such as NSAIDs, can often effectively treat moderate pain without the risk of potential side effects or dependence associated with opioids. Additionally, opioids are typically reserved for more severe or chronic pain, and using them for moderate pain may increase the risk of developing a tolerance to the medication. Furthermore, using opioids for mild-moderate pain, as in option C, may also increase the chances of experiencing negative side effects from the medication and should be avoided unless the benefits clearly outweigh the risks. Therefore, option C, which recommends opioid use for mild-moderate pain, is not the most appropriate recommendation for managing moderate pain.