Certified Hospice and Palliative Assistant (CHPNA) Practice Test

What is the purpose of step three in the equianalgesic conversion process?

1. To adjust the medication for side effects

2. To multiply the step 2 number by the equianalgesic value for the new drug

3. To establish a follow-up schedule with the patient

4. To document the patient’s pain level

The correct answer is: To multiply the step 2 number by the equianalgesic value for the new drug

The purpose of step three in the equianalgesic conversion process is to multiply the value obtained in step two by the equianalgesic value for the new drug. This step is essential because it helps determine the appropriate dosage of the new medication that will provide equivalent pain relief to the patient while transitioning from the old medication. The equianalgesic table helps healthcare providers find the appropriate conversion factors for different opioids or other analgesics, ensuring that patients receive a safe and effective dose. This calculation is crucial in pain management, as it allows for a systematic approach to medication changes, taking into account the differences in potency and effectiveness of various drugs. By executing this multiplication accurately, practitioners ensure that the patient continues to receive adequate pain control while minimizing the risk of under-treatment or overdose. The other options focus on different aspects of patient care, such as managing side effects, scheduling follow-ups, or documenting pain levels, but they do not directly relate to the core function of step three within the equianalgesic conversion process. Thus, these elements are important components of comprehensive care but are not the focus of this specific step.