Certified Hospice and Palliative Assistant (CHPNA) Practice Test

What is the first step in the equianalgesic conversion process?

1. Add up the total amount of the current drug given in 24 hours

2. Convert the total amount into morphine equivalents

3. Assess the patient's level of pain

4. Document the current medication dosage

The correct answer is: Add up the total amount of the current drug given in 24 hours

In the equianalgesic conversion process, the initial step involves determining the total amount of the current medication a patient has received within a 24-hour period. This foundational calculation is crucial because it establishes a baseline that allows healthcare providers to understand the patient's current opioid usage. By knowing how much medication the patient has been taking, it becomes possible to evaluate their overall analgesic needs and make informed decisions regarding potential changes in their pain management regimen. Establishing this total provides the necessary context for subsequent conversions to different medications or dosages, ensuring that the patient continues to receive adequate pain relief without risk of overdose or under-treatment. The other options represent important steps in the overall process but are contingent on first having a clear understanding of the current dosage. For example, assessing the patient's level of pain is essential for guiding treatment but should follow establishing how much medication has been administered. Documenting current medication dosages is important for record-keeping but does not directly inform the conversion process itself. Converting to morphine equivalents is a later step that requires knowledge of the total current dosage as well.