Certified Hospice and Palliative Assistant (CHPNA) Practice Test

What factor should be considered when starting a lower dose of methadone?

1. The patient's age and renal/liver condition

2. The patient's previous pain management experience

3. The patient's weight and height

4. The patient's mental health status

The correct answer is: The patient's age and renal/liver condition

Considering a lower dose of methadone requires evaluating the patient's age and renal or liver condition because these factors significantly influence drug metabolism and clearance. Methadone is primarily metabolized by the liver, and an impaired liver function can lead to increased drug levels in the body, raising the risk of toxicity. Similarly, age can affect pharmacokinetics; older adults often have decreased renal and hepatic function, necessitating cautious dosing to prevent adverse effects. While the patient's previous pain management experience, weight and height, and mental health status may also be relevant in assessing overall treatment plans, they do not have the same direct impact on the pharmacokinetics and safety of methadone dosing as the patient's liver and renal functions do. Therefore, taking into account these essential physiological factors aligns with best practices for ensuring patient safety and optimizing therapeutic outcomes in pain management.