Maximum Daily Dosage of Hydromorphone

A nurse is preparing to administer a dose of hydromorphone to a patient experiencing severe pain. The physician has ordered hydromorphone 1 mg IV every 4 hours as needed for pain. The nurse knows that hydromorphone is a potent opioid analgesic used for pain management. The nurse must ensure to assess the patient’s pain level and document the dose administered. If the patient’s pain level does not decrease after receiving the medication, the nurse may need to consider further interventions or enhancements to the pain management plan.

Fill in the blank: The nurse understands that the maximum allowable dose of hydromorphone in a 24-hour period typically does not exceed ____ mg to avoid overdose risks.