A client who has moderate, persistent, chronic neuropathic pain due to diabetic neuropathy is managed. What is the appropriate nursing action?

• A. Continue the gabapentin
• B. Discontinue gabapentin due to side effects
• C. Increase the dosage of an opioid
• D. Start a nonpharmacologic therapy

Answer: (A)

Continued gabapentin is appropriate because gabapentinoids are a common first-line option for diabetic neuropathic pain and can provide steady relief when tolerated and properly titrated. For a client with moderate, persistent neuropathic pain, maintaining the current gabapentin regimen helps preserve analgesia and avoids unnecessary withdrawal or loss of pain control. The nursing role includes monitoring for side effects such as dizziness, sedation, edema, and gait disturbance, and ensuring dosing is adjusted for renal function as needed. If pain remains or worsens, gabapentin can be optimized and nonpharmacologic therapies can be added as adjuncts, but escalating opioids or discontinuing gabapentin without a clear intolerance or contraindication is not the preferred approach.