Pain Medications

Overview

Pain medications include non-opioids like acetaminophen and NSAIDs, as well as potent opioid analgesics such as morphine and hydromorphone. They are used to manage acute and chronic pain by altering the perception of pain or blocking pain signals. The nurse's role involves thorough assessment of pain, monitoring for side effects like respiratory depression, and ensuring safe administration practices.

Key nursing concepts

• Agonists like morphine bind to receptors to provide significant pain relief.
• Antagonists like naloxone reverse the effects of opioids.
• NSAIDs provide anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects but can cause GI upset.
• Acetaminophen is effective for pain and fever but lacks anti-inflammatory properties.
• Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) allows the patient to self-administer set doses.
• Tolerance occurs when more drug is needed to achieve the same effect over time.

Important nursing considerations

• Assess pain level using a standardized scale before and after administration.
• Monitor respiratory rate and depth in patients receiving opioid analgesics.
• Incorporate non-pharmacological comfort measures such as repositioning.
• Monitor for constipation and implement a bowel program for patients on opioids.
• Assess for liver function in patients taking high doses of acetaminophen.
• Identify signs of aspirin toxicity such as tinnitus or GI bleeding.

Patient teaching

• Avoid alcohol while taking pain medications due to increased sedation or liver risk.
• Do not drive or operate machinery until the effects of the medication are known.
• Prevent constipation by increasing fiber, fluids, and activity.
• Report any pain that is not relieved by the prescribed dose.

Related practice questions

Real questions from the NursGuru bank, each with the answer and rationale.

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