What is the WHO step analgesic ladder scale except?

Appeared in: NORCET 3 - 2022 (Shift-2)

Explanation

The WHO analgesic ladder reserves Step 1 for the management of mild pain.
Step 1 treatment involves using non-opioid analgesics, such as paracetamol or NSAIDs, sometimes with an adjuvant.
The statement claims Step 1 is for severe pain, which directly contradicts the guidelines of the WHO ladder.
Severe pain is managed at Step 3 with strong opioids.

Option B: This statement is a correct description of Step 1 of the WHO analgesic ladder. Therefore, it is not the 'exception' the question asks for.
Option C: This statement is a correct description of Step 2 of the WHO analgesic ladder. Therefore, it is not the 'exception' the question asks for.
Option D: This statement is a correct description of Step 3 of the WHO analgesic ladder. Therefore, it is not the 'exception' the question asks for.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain The concept tested is the World Health Organization (WHO) 3-step analgesic ladder for pain management as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Accurate pain assessment is a critical nursing responsibility. Using the WHO ladder helps standardize treatment and ensures patients receive appropriate analgesia based on their pain level.
Nurses must monitor for the effectiveness of the prescribed analgesics and advocate for stepping up the ladder if pain is not controlled.
Managing the side effects of analgesics, especially opioids (e.g., constipation, nausea, respiratory depression), is a key nursing intervention.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keyword 'except' in the question stem. This tells you to look for the statement that is false or does not fit with the others.
Recall the three steps of the WHO analgesic ladder for pain management.
Step 1 is for mild pain and uses non-opioids.
Step 2 is for moderate pain and adds a weak opioid.
Step 3 is for severe pain and uses a strong opioid.
Evaluate each option against this framework. Option A incorrectly matches Step 1 with severe pain, making it the false statement and the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: The concept tested is the World Health Organization (WHO) 3-step analgesic ladder for pain management.
Stem keywords: WHO, analgesic ladder, step
Lead-in keywords: except
Negative lead-in flag: EXCEPT

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E6 Medicine Davidson Principles Practice 24e p. 1370-1372

E6 Nursing Vital Signs p. 139-141

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 243-245

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