NURS 3100 Exam 1 Practice

Which statement represents the nurse's understanding as it relates to the potency of different narcotics?

1. Codeine is less potent than morphine; it will not produce allergic reactions

2. Codeine is less potent than morphine; it will not relieve pain as well

3. Morphine is more potent than codeine; a lesser dose will be required

4. Morphine is more potent than codeine; it will produce more adverse effects

The correct answer is: Morphine is more potent than codeine; a lesser dose will be required

The correct answer is C. This statement reflects the nurse's understanding of the potency of different narcotics. Morphine is indeed more potent than codeine, which means that a lesser dose of morphine will be required to achieve the same pain-relieving effect as codeine. Understanding the potency of different narcotics is crucial for nurses to ensure appropriate pain management for patients. Option A is incorrect because potency is not related to the potential for allergic reactions, but rather to the dose required to achieve a specific effect. Option B is also incorrect as it falsely states that codeine will not relieve pain as well, which is not accurate. Option D is incorrect as it incorrectly associates potency with producing more adverse effects.