Certified Hospice and Palliative Assistant (CHPNA) Practice Test

Which of the following is a commonly used opioid analgesic with a parenteral administration value of 10 mg?

1. Codeine

2. Hydromorphone

3. Morphine

4. Oxycodone

The correct answer is: Morphine

Morphine is a commonly used opioid analgesic that is available for parenteral administration, with a typical value of 10 mg. It is widely used in clinical settings for the management of moderate to severe pain, especially in palliative care contexts. Morphine acts on the central nervous system to alleviate pain, providing both analgesic effects and a sense of euphoria in some patients, which can be particularly beneficial in end-of-life care scenarios. In comparison, while codeine is an opioid, it is generally not administered parenterally and is less potent than morphine, making it an unsuitable answer. Hydromorphone is another opioid analgesic, but it is typically dosed differently and has a different parenteral administration conversion. Oxycodone, on the other hand, is most often prescribed in oral formulations and is not typically associated with a parenteral administration dose of 10 mg. Thus, morphine stands out as the standard opioid known for its effective use and recognizable dosing in parenteral routes.