When a person checks into the hospital, the assumption is that all their usual med orders are canx and will not be given unless the attending physician wants them to continue; then the attending writes admission orders that usually cover the pt's needs. For the same reason, the discharge med list is usually different from what the pt came in with.
This can get hairy when it comes to pain meds, because in some cases pain meds can be causing or masking symptoms related to the admitting dx. Most admitting physicians come up with an alternative pain management strategy that's different from what the pt is used to at home. I've had to explain this to innumerable pts over the years. If you're on Methadone, forget it... very rare to continue that med in hospital. Too dangerous, too long-acting, too hard to reverse.
In this case, the rationale could easily be that the APAP in T3, Percocet or Vicodin is artificially suppressing the pt's temperature. Regardless, the answer is for your friend to call the RN managing their care this shift, explain the pain issue, and ask if the Dr has ordered any PRN (as needed) pain coverage. If not, have the RN call the doc who's covering. (not the CNA, housekeeper, or clerk! Lots of people wear scrubs).
If the RN is resistant, ask for the Charge Nurse. If the Charge Nurse is resistant, ask for the House Supervisor, who's an RN. Sooner or later a nurse will call the doc for you.
Post Edited (SpeyFisher) : 11/27/2014 10:24:50 AM (GMT-7)