pharmacological interventions

• What are the pharmacological interventions for mild pain?

  Nonopioid analgesics
• What is the purpose of nonopioid analgesics?

  To reduce inflammation and pain receptor communication
• What is the pharmacological intervention for moderate pain?

  Opioid plus nonopioid
• Name a "weaker" opioid used for moderate pain.

  Codeine
• What is the pharmacological intervention for severe pain?

  Strong opioids
• Why should Demerol not be used?

  It has a risk of addiction
• What is a ceiling effect in nonopioid analgesics?

  They have no tolerance or dependence
• What is a common nursing consideration for nonopioid analgesics?

  They can cause GI upset
• What is a potential risk of extended use of nonopioid analgesics?

  Increased risk of bleeding
• List three short opioid drugs.

  Morphine sulfate, hydromorphone, codeine
• How do opioid analgesics work?

  They block CNS pain receptors
• What are common adverse effects of opioid analgesics?

  Low BP and respiratory depression
• What is a side effect of opioid analgesics?

  GI upset
• What are adjuvants/co-analgesics?

  Medications that enhance analgesic effects
• Name two types of adjuvants/co-analgesics.

  Corticosteroids and antidepressants
• How do adjuvants/co-analgesics enhance pain relief?

  By possessing analgesic properties of their own
• What is one role of adjuvants/co-analgesics in pain management?

  Counteracting adverse effects of analgesics
• How do opioid analgesics and nonopioid analgesics differ in terms of tolerance?

  Opioids can cause tolerance, nonopioids cannot
• What is the difference in prescription requirements between nonopioid and opioid analgesics?

  Opioids require a prescription, nonopioids do not