NURS 271 Exam 2 (Module 3-5) with answers.

Opioid Analgesics correct answers -relieve pain by inhibiting adenylate cyclase, which coordinate the transmission of pain signals from peripheral tissues to the brain, reducing the perception of pain sensation in the brain, producing sedation, and decreasing the emotional upsets often associated with pain; They also inhibit the production of pain and inflammation by prostaglandins and leukotrienes in peripheral tissues -schedule ll drugs -opioid tolerance: repeated opioid use as adenylate cyclase adapts, reducing the ability of the opioids to inhibit pain signals. Patients no longer respond to an opioid as they originally did and then require higher doses to achieve the same response reached initially -QSEN: respiratory depression can be minimized by avoiding use with alcohol and CNS depressants & monitoring the response and dosage of drug Patient guidelines for opioid analgesics correct answers -For acute episodes of pain that occur at irregular inter- vals, most opioids may be taken as needed; for acute pain that occurs daily and for chronic pain, the drugs should be taken on a regular schedule, around the clock. -When a choice of pain-relieving medication is available, use the least amount of the mildest drug that is likely to be effective in a particular situation. -Take only as prescribed. If desired effects are not achieved, report to your health care provider. Do not increase the dose and do not take medication more often than prescribed. -Do not drink alcohol or take other drugs that cause drowsiness (e.g., some antihistamines, sedative-type drugs for nervousness or anxiety, sleeping pills) while tak- ing opioids for pain. -Do not smoke, cook, drive a car, or operate machinery when drowsy or dizzy or when vision is blurred from medication. -Sit or lie down at least 30 to 60 minutes after receiving an opioid by injection. -It is better to take adequate medication and be able to cough, deep breathe, and walk around than to avoid or minimize pain medication and be unable to perform activities that promote recovery and healing. -Avoid constipation, a common adverse effect of opioid analgesics. Opioid analgesic: Self-administration correct answers -Take oral opioid analgesics with 6 to 8 ounces of water, with or after food to reduce nausea. -Do not crush or chew long-acting tablets (e.g., MS Contin, OxyContin). The tablets are formulated to release the active drug slowly, over several hours. Crushing or chewing causes immediate release of the drug, with a high risk of overdose and adverse effects, and shortens the duration of pain-relieving effects. -You may experience these side effects: nausea, loss of appetite (take the drug with food and lie quietly), consti- pation (notify your health care provider if this is severe; a laxative may help), dizziness, sedation, drowsiness, and impaired visual acuity (avoid driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, visual acuity). -Omit one or more doses if severe adverse effects occur, and report to a health care provider. Also, report a skin rash. -Take these drugs exactly as prescribed. Avoid alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives, tranquilizers, and over-the- counter drugs.