Analgesic Flashcards

(68 cards)

1
Q

Analgesics

A

Medications that relieve pain without causing loss of consciousness

“Painkillers”

Opioid analgesics

Adjuvant analgesic drugs

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2
Q

Pain

A

An unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage

A personal and individual experience

Whatever the patient says it is

Exists when the patient says it exists

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3
Q

Nociception

Pain results:

These receptors transmit…

A

Pain results from stimulation of sensory nerve fibres called nociceptors.

These receptors transmit pain signals from various body regions to the spinal cord and brain.

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4
Q

Nociception 4 steps?

A
  1. Transduction: injured tissues release chemicals that propagate pain messages. Action potential moves along an afferent fibre to the spinal cord.
  2. Transmission: the pain impulse moves from the spinal cord to the brain
  3. Perception of pain
  4. Modulation: neurons from the brainstem release neurotransmitters that block the pain impulse
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5
Q

Pain Threshold

A

Level of stimulus needed to produce the perception of pain

A measure of the physiological response of the nervous system

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6
Q

Pain Tolerance

A

The amount of pain a person can endure without it interfering with normal function

Varies from person to person

Subjective response to pain, not a physiological function

Varies by attitude, personality, environment, culture, ethnicity

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7
Q

Classification of Pain by Onset and Duration

Acute pain

Persistent pain

A

Acute pain:
Sudden onset
Limited, has an end

Persistent pain (chronic pain):
Persistent or recurring
Lasts 3 to 6 months
More difficult to treat
Tolerance

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8
Q

Six Classification of Pain

A

Referred
Neuropathic
Phantom
Cancer
Central
Vascular

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9
Q

Gate Theory of Pain Transmission

A

Most common and well-described theory

Uses the analogy of a gate to describe how impulses from damaged tissues are sensed in the brain

Many current pain management strategies are aimed at altering this system.

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10
Q

Four Distinct Processes

A

Transduction
Transmission
Perception
Modulation

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11
Q

Transduction

A

Transformation of stimuli into electrochemical energy

Release of pain-medicating chemicals

Nociceptors

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12
Q

Pain Transduction

Tissue injury causes the release of the following:

These substances stimulate :

A

Tissue injury causes the release of the following:

Bradykinin
Histamine
Potassium
Prostaglandins
Serotonin
Substance P

They stimulate nerve endings, starting the pain process.

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13
Q

Pain Transduction

The nerve impulses enter the:

The point of spinal cord entry or the “gate” is the…

This gate regulates the?

A

The nerve impulses enter the spinal cord and travel up to the brain.

The point of spinal cord entry or the “gate” is the dorsal horn.

This gate regulates the flow of sensory impulses to the brain.

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14
Q

Pain Transduction

Closing the gate stops:

If no impulses are transmitted to higher centres in the brain, there is no?

A

Closing the gate stops the impulses.

If no impulses are transmitted to higher centres in the brain, there is no pain perception.

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15
Q

Pain Transmission

Two types of nociceptor pain fibres:

A

Large-diameter, A-delta fibres, and small-diameter C fibres

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16
Q

Pain Perception

Define

The larger the number of mu receptors, the

A

Subjective phenomenon of pain
——Identical stimulus can evoke different pain from one individual to another

“How it is felt”

Complex behavioural, psychological, and emotional factors

The number of mu receptors in the dorsal horn appear to play a crucial role in pain perception and emotional well-being

The larger the number of mu receptors , the less pain is perceived

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17
Q

Pain Modulation

A

Neural activity that controls pain transmission to neurons

Both peripheral and central nervous systems

Descending pain system

Enkephalins and endorphins

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18
Q

Massage

A

Massaging a painful area often reduces the pain.

Large sensory A nerve fibres inhibit impulse transmission

Close the gate

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19
Q

Treatment of Pain in Special Situations

A

Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA)

Patient comfort versus fear of drug addiction

Opioid tolerance

Use of placebos

Recognizing patients who are opioid tolerant

Breakthrough pain

Synergistic effects

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20
Q

Adjuvant Drugs

Examples

A

Drugs from chemical categories other than opioids

Assist primary drugs in relieving pain:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Antidepressants
Anticonvulsants
Corticosteroids

Example: adjuvant drugs for neuropathic pain

Amitriptyline (antidepressant)
Gabapentin or pregabalin (anticonvulsants)

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21
Q

World Health OrganizationThree-Step Analgesic Ladder

A

Step 1: Nonopioids with or without adjuvant medications after the pain has been identified and assessed. If pain persists or increases, treatment moves to:

Step 2: Opioids with or without nonopioids and with or without adjuvants. If pain persists or increases, management then rises to:

Step 3: Opioids indicated for moderate to severe pain, administered with or without nonopioids or adjuvant medications

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22
Q

Opioid Drugs

A

Synthetic drugs that bind to the opiate receptors to relieve pain

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23
Q

Opioid Drugs

Mild agonists:

A

codeine, hydrocodone

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24
Q

Opioid Drugs

Strong agonists

A

morphine, hydromorphone hydrochloride, oxycodone, meperidine, fentanyl, methadone

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25
Opioid Drugs Meperidine
not recommended for long-term use because of the accumulation of a neurotoxic metabolite, normeperidine, which can cause seizures.
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Opioid Ceiling Effect
Drug reaches a maximum analgesic effect. Analgesia does not improve, even with higher doses. -Codeine phosphate -Pentazocine -Nalbuphine
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Opioid Analgesics Three classifications based on their actions:
Agonists Agonists–antagonists Antagonists (nonanalgesic)
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Agonists
Bind to an opioid pain receptor in the brain Cause an analgesic response (reduction of pain sensation)
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Agonists–Antagonists
Binds to a pain receptor and causes a weaker pain response than full agonists kappa (k) or mu opioid receptors Also called partial agonists or mixed agonists used in pts who are addicted to opioids and in obstretical pts (avoid oversedation of mom and fetus)
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Antagonists
Reverse the effects of opioids on pain receptors Bind to pain receptors and exert no response Also known as competitive antagonists
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Equianalgesia
Ability to provide equivalent pain relief by -calculating dosages of different drugs or -routes of administration that provide comparable analgesia Examples: morphine, hydromorphone, oxycodone, hydrocodone bitartrate, fentanyl Continuous release vs. immediate release formulations
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Opioid Analgesics: Indications
Mainly used to alleviate moderate to severe pain Often first line agents analgesic in immediate post operative setting Often given with adjuvant analgesic drugs to assist primary drugs with pain relief Balanced anaesthesia
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Opioids are also used for:
Cough centre suppression Treatment of diarrhea
34
Opioid Analgesics: Contraindications Use with extreme caution in patients with the following:
Known drug allergy Severe asthma Respiratory insufficiency Elevated intracranial pressure Morbid obesity or sleep apnea Paralytic ileus Pregnancy
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Opioid Analgesics: Adverse Effects
Central nervous system (CNS) depression -Leads to respiratory depression -Most serious adverse effect Nausea, vomiting, constipation, biliary tract spasm Urinary retention Hypotension, palpitations, flushing Itching, rash, wheal formation Pinpoint pupils indicating a possible overdose
36
Opioids: Opioid Tolerance
A common physiological result of chronic opioid treatment State of adaptation Result: larger dose is required to maintain the same level of analgesia
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Opioids: Physical Dependence
Physiological adaptation of the body to the presence of an opioid Opioid tolerance and physical dependence are expected with long-term opioid treatment and should not be confused with psychological dependence (addiction).
38
Opioids: Psychological Dependence Addiction?
Addiction: a pattern of compulsive drug use characterized by a continued craving for an opioid and the need to use the opioid for effects other than pain relief
39
Opioid Analgesics: Toxicity and Management of Overdose
Naloxone hydrochloride Naltrexone (ReVia®) Regardless of withdrawal symptoms, when a patient experiences severe respiratory depression, an opioid antagonist should be given.
40
Naloxone reversing an overdose
Naloxone has a stronger affinity to opioid receptors than opioids, such as heroin or oxycodone, so it knocks the opioids off the receptors for a short time (30 to 90 minutes). This allows the person to breathe again and reverse the overdose.
41
Toxicity and Management of Overdose Opioid withdrawal or opioid abstinence syndrome
Occur in 2 weeks in opioid-naïve patients Gradual dosage reduction after chronic opioid use
42
Opioid Analgesics: Interactions
Alcohol Antihistamines Barbiturates Benzodiazepines Promethazine Monoamine oxidase inhibitors Others
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Codeine Sulphate
Natural opiate alkaloid (Schedule I) obtained from opium Less effective Ceiling effect More commonly used as an antitussive drug Gastrointestinal (GI) disturbance
44
Fentanyl
Synthetic opioid (Schedule I) used to treat moderate to severe pain Parenteral injections, transdermal patches (Duragesic Mat®), sublingual effervescent tablet (Fentora®)
45
Dilaudid
Hydromorphone (Dilaudid®): very potent opioid analgesic; Schedule I drug 1 mg of (IV) or (IM) hydromorphone is equivalent to 7 mg of morphine.
46
Methadone Hydrochloride
Synthetic opioid analgesic (Schedule I) Opioid of choice for detoxification treatment of opioid addicts in methadone maintenance programs Renewed interest in the use of methadone for chronic (e.g., neuropathic) and cancer-related pain Prolonged half-life of the drug: cause of unintentional overdoses and deaths Cardiac dysrhythmias
47
Morphine Sulphate
Naturally occurring alkaloid derived from the opium poppy Drug prototype for all opioid drugs; Schedule I controlled substance Indication: severe pain Oral, injectable, and rectal dosage forms; also extended-release forms
48
Oxycodone Hydrochloride
Structured similar to morphine Synthetic opioid Often combined with acetaminophen (Percocet tablets: typical is 325 mg acetaminophen and 5 mg of oxycodone)
49
Naloxone Hydrochloride (Narcan®)
Pure opioid antagonist Drug of choice for the complete or partial reversal of opioid-induced respiratory depression Indicated in cases of suspected acute opioid overdose Failure of the drug to significantly reverse the effects of the presumed opioid overdose indicates that the condition may not be related to opioid overdose.
50
Nonopioid Analgesics: Acetaminophen (Tylenol®)
Analgesic and antipyretic effects Little to no anti-inflammatory effects Available over the counter (OTC) and in combination products with opioids
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Acetaminophen: Mechanism of Action
Similar to that of salicylates Blocks pain impulses peripherally by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis
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Acetaminophen: Indications
Mild to moderate pain Fever Inability to take aspirin products
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Acetaminophen: Dosage
Maximum daily dose for healthy adults is 4 g/day, but Health Canada is considering lowering* ----2 000 mg for older adults and those with liver disease Inadvertent excessive doses may occur when different combination drug products are taken together. Be aware of the acetaminophen content of all medications taken by the patient (OTC and prescription). *Note: As of the date of writing of this text, Health Canada had not yet made this decision.
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Acetaminophen: Contraindications and Interactions Should not be taken in the presence of following:
Drug allergy Liver dysfunction Possible liver failure G6PD deficiency Dangerous interactions may occur if taken with alcohol or other drugs that are hepatotoxic.
55
Acetaminophen: Toxicity and Managing Overdose
Even though available OTC, lethal when overdosed Overdose, whether intentional or resulting from chronic unintentional misuse, causes hepatic necrosis: hepatotoxicity. Long-term ingestion of large doses also causes nephropathy. Recommended antidote: acetylcysteine regimen
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Miscellaneous Analgesic: Tramadol Hydrochloride
Central acting analgesic Treatment of moderate to moderately severe pain Potential adverse effects: seizures (with excess dosages) and serotonin syndrome (if taken with SSRIs) Frequently combined with acetaminophen (Tramacet)
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Herbal Products: Feverfew
Related to the marigold family Anti-inflammatory properties Used to treat migraine headaches, menstrual cramps, inflammation, and fever May cause GI distress, altered taste, muscle stiffness, joint pain May interact with aspirin and other NSAIDs, as well as anticoagulants
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Analgesics: Nursing Implications
Before beginning therapy, perform a thorough history regarding allergies and use of other medications, including alcohol, health history, and medical history. Obtain baseline vital signs, intake and output. Assess for potential contraindications and drug interactions. Perform a thorough pain assessment, including pain intensity and character, onset, location, description, precipitating and relieving factors, type, remedies, and other pain treatments. ---Level of pain is now considered a “fifth vital sign.” ---Rate pain on a 0–10 or similar scale. Be sure to medicate patients before the pain becomes severe, so as to provide adequate analgesia and pain control. Pain management includes pharmacological and nonpharmacological approaches; be sure to include other interventions as indicated. Patients should not take other medications or OTC preparations without checking with their physicians. Instruct patients to notify physician about signs of allergic reaction or adverse effects.
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Opioid Analgesics: Nursing Implications
Oral forms should be taken with food to minimize gastric upset. Ensure safety measures, such as keeping side rails up, to prevent injury. Withhold dose and contact physician if there is a decline in the patient’s condition or if vital signs are abnormal, especially if respiratory rate is less than 10 breaths/min. Check dosages carefully. ---Follow proper administration guidelines for IM injections, including site rotation. ---Follow proper guidelines for IV administration, including dilution, rate of administration, etc. Constipation is a common adverse effect and may be prevented with adequate fluid and fibre intake. Instruct patients to follow directions for administration carefully and to keep a record of their pain experience and response to treatments. Patients should be instructed to change positions slowly to prevent possible orthostatic hypotension. Monitor for adverse effects ---Contact physician immediately if the patient’s vital signs change, condition declines, or pain continues. ---Respiratory depression may be manifested by a respiratory rate of less than 10 breaths/min, dyspnea, diminished breath sounds, or shallow breathing.
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Opioid Analgesics: Nursing Implications Monitor for therapeutic effects.
Decreased perception of pain Decreased severity of pain Increased periods of comfort Improved activities of daily living, appetite, and sense of well-being Decreased fever (acetaminophen)
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Notes
opioids- decrease LOC, respirations pain- is whatever the pt says it is visceral- organs somatic- bone, tendons, and muscle, skin (stimulation of sensory nerve fibres-pain) Pain threshold pain tolerance- the amount of pain a person can endure Neuropathic- nerve pain (diabetes) gallbladder pain- left side (pain in shoulder/ back/ scapula- referred pain) phantom pain- damage to BVs and nerves- amputation- still feel the pain Cancer pain- pressure from the tumours on organs/ tissues Central- stroke, MS, cancer Vascular pain- migraine PhysioMCST-phases nociceptive pain (video) Transduction-release of chemical picked up by Rs, nerve impulse to the brain Transmission- fibres activate R in brain Perception- subjective phenomenon, stimulus can be provoked differently Modulation- neural 1 activity, control pain transmission PCA-self medicate, hooked up to an IV for pain Breakthrough pain they can't wait for another drug to kick in, so we give them something short-acting Opioid- respiratory depression ANGINA- forms lactic acid because it does not get enough oxygen itch- common AE OF OPIOID
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Adjuvant 2 Medications
assist primary drugs (opioids) Amitriptyline (antidepressant) Gabapentin/ pregabalin (diabetic neuropathy)
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Opioids Mild agonists
codeine (affected by opioid ceiling effect) hydrocodone
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Meperidine
not recommended
65
Agonits drugs examples
morphine, codeine, methadone, fentanyl
66
Agonist-antagonists
pentazocine weaker pain response partial agonists
67
Antagonists
Narcan reverse effects of opioids
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vitals of most concern for a pt taking Dilaudid?
respirations (ABCs)