Case Study 2- Surgery and opioids

Question 1

What are the common side effects of opioids?

Answer 1

Drowsiness
Sedation
Dizziness
Nausea
Vomiting
Constipation
Respiratory depression
Tolerance
Physical dependence

Question 2

What are the signs of opioid toxicity?

Answer 2

• UNCONSCIOUSNESS
• Snoring or struggling breaths/ rasping breathing
• Shallow breathing
• Pinpoint pupils
• Blue lips
• Shallow skin

Question 3

What can be used to treat opioid overdoses

Answer 3

Naloxone (opioid receptor antagonist)

look at BNF page 1440 for dosing

well reverse the effects of opioids

Question 4

What drugs can be used for post operative nausea and vomiting?

Answer 4

5HT3 receptor antagonists
Cyclizine can be used for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting

Question 5

What is the mechanism of action of morphine?

Answer 5

Acts as an antagonist on the opioid receptors to modulate synaptic transmission

1. Closes presynaptic Ca+ channels
2. Opens postsynaptic K+ channels

These actions decrease transition