The nurse is caring for a 28-year-old female with a long history of heroin addiction. The client tells the nurse that she started off using a small amount recreationally, but as time went on, she needed more and more heroin to feel a high. The nurse recognizes this as

Number 3 is correct.

Rationale: Tolerance refers to the need for more of the drug over time to reach the same effect; this term best describes the client’s experience. Addiction refers to the physiological and physical craving of a drug or substance. Dependence is when the body depends on the drug after repeated use, and if the drug is removed (withdrawal), physical side effects can occur.