Post Operative Pain Management

Question 1

What are the benefits and side effects of using opioids to manage post op pain?

Answer 1

Benefits:
Very effective analgesic

Side Effects:
Nausea and vomiting
Sedation
Constipation
Respiratory depression

Question 2

What are the benefits of using a PCAS system to manage post op pain?

Answer 2

• Patient obtains analgesia when they require it - don’t require staff input
• Safe so long as pump is correctly functioning

Question 3

What are the benefits and side effects of using NSAIDS to manage post op pain?

Answer 3

Benefits:
Target both pain and inflammation
Suitable as an opioid sparing agent

Side Effects:
Peptic ulcer disease
GI haemorrhage
Renal dysfunction
Platelet dysfunction

Question 4

What is a major side effect of an epidural catheter used for post op pain management ?

What increases the risk of this side effect?

Answer 4

Spinal haematoma

Increased risk in patients receiving anticoagulation therapy - close neurological monitoring required.