Pharmacological Treatments for Pain Flashcards
What is the nurses role in pharmacological treatment of pain for a patient?
- assess patients’ pain frequently
- determine whether to give analgesic
- determine which to give if there is a choice
- determine appropriate dose for that time
- assess patients’ response to the analgesic
- advocate for patient when a change is needed
- educate patient and family
Name seven delivery systems for analgesics.
- oral
- rectal
- transdermal
- sublingual
- nasal
- intravenously
- intramuscularly
- subcutanenously
- intraspinal (epidural and intrathecal)
- nerve blocks
- surgery
- acupuncture
Give one example of a narcotic analgesic.
- pethidine
- morphine
- endone
What is the process of administering a narcotic analgesic?
- check from DD cupboard
- usually 2 person check
- sign for an in/out count
- check the drug again at the bedside
- educate the patient on what to expect (e.g. may feel nausea)
Epidural analgesia is inserted into the CSF. True or false.
False.
Epidural analgesia is inserted into the space above the dura. Below the dura is CSF.
When is epidural analgesic most commonly used?
- post major surgery
- it is a mixture of opioiods and local anaesthetic and is run continuously
Give two examples of analgesic used in an epidural.
- bupivacaine
- fentanyl
- morphine
What are the side effects of epidural narcotics?
- respiratory depression
- nausea and vomiting
- urinary retention
- pruritis
What is the nurse checking when caring for a patient with an epidural?
- dermatome checks
- vitals and oxygen levels
- headaches
- epidural site check
Explain patient controlled analgesia (PCA).
Delivers a set dose of opioid on demand with a preset time daily between doses.
Name three advantages of a PCA.
- higher patient satisfaction
- equal or superior analgesia
- equal or reduced sedation
- minimal daily-individual tailoring
- patient has sense of ‘control’
- painless-reduced morbidity