Analgesia

Question 1

What are the steps on the pain killer ladder?

Answer 1

1. Mild - paracetamol/NSAID
2. Mild-moderate - combination analgesics +/- NSAIDs
3. Moderate - oral opioid/combination analgesics +/- NSAID
4. Moderate-severe - oral opioid + paracetamol +/- NSAID
5. Severe - parenteral opioid (IM/SC/IV) + paracetamol +/- NSAID

Question 2

What is epidural analgesia contraindicated in?

Answer 2

Warfarin/anticoagulation use