How many hours must pass before a nurse can administer another dose of oxycodone for Ms. Yu?

Oxycodone is an opioid medication that is typically prescribed for moderate to severe pain management. The standard dosing interval for oxycodone varies based on the formulation (immediate-release vs. extended-release) and the individual patient circumstances.

In general, for immediate-release formulations of oxycodone, it is recommended that doses are administered every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain relief. This interval allows for adequate time for the drug to take effect and for the body to metabolize it, reducing the risk of overdose and allowing for effective pain control without excessive sedation.

Choosing this 4-6 hour interval acknowledges the need for vigilance regarding patient safety while ensuring that pain relief is available when required. It's essential for nurses to always follow specific institutional guidelines or physicians' orders when it comes to administering medications to ensure patient safety and compliance with best practices.

In this context, the other intervals mentioned either do not provide sufficient time between doses or exceed the typical recommendations for immediate-release oxycodone. Therefore, the indication that 4 to 6 hours should elapse before administering another dose aligns with established medical guidelines and practices.