Pharmacology NSG 124: Pain, Migraine, Respiratory, GI, Psych Meds- Questions
and Answers 100% Solved
Opioids Bind to opioid receptors in the central nervous system (CNS), altering the
perception of pain.
Opioids Side Effects Drowsiness, respiratory depression, constipation, and nausea.
Opioids Adverse Effects Respiratory depression (most concerning), liver toxicity (with
certain opioids and acetaminophen).
Nursing Actions for Opioids Monitor pain level, respiratory rate, level of consciousness
(LOC) using a sedation scale, and bowel function before and after administration. Have
naloxone (opioid antagonist) available.
Teaching for Opioids Avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants, report constipation, and
do not operate heavy machinery.
HESI Hint for Opioids Respiratory rate less than 12 breaths/min is a critical finding and
requires immediate intervention.
NSAIDs Action Inhibit prostaglandin synthesis by blocking cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes
in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and CNS.
NSAIDs Side Effects GI upset, bleeding, and renal toxicity.
NSAIDs Adverse Effects GI bleeding, renal failure, and cardiovascular events.
, Nursing Actions for NSAIDs Administer with food, monitor for GI bleeding (black stools),
assess renal function (BUN, creatinine).
Teaching for NSAIDs Report signs of bleeding, take with food, and avoid alcohol.
Acetaminophen Action Primarily acts in the CNS to reduce pain and fever.
Acetaminophen Side Effects Generally well-tolerated but can cause liver toxicity with
overdose or chronic high doses.
Acetaminophen Adverse Effects Hepatotoxicity (liver damage).
Nursing Actions for Acetaminophen Monitor liver function tests (LFTs).
Teaching for Acetaminophen Do not exceed the maximum daily dose (typically 4000
mg/day), avoid alcohol.
HESI Hint for Acetaminophen Acetaminophen is generally safe in recommended doses
but can cause liver damage; NSAIDs have a higher risk of GI bleeding.
Triptans Action Selective serotonin receptor agonists that cause vasoconstriction of
cranial blood vessels.
Triptans Adverse Effects Vasoconstriction (chest pain, hypertension).
Nursing Actions for Triptans Assess for cardiac history (contraindicated in patients with a
history of heart disease). Monitor blood pressure.
and Answers 100% Solved
Opioids Bind to opioid receptors in the central nervous system (CNS), altering the
perception of pain.
Opioids Side Effects Drowsiness, respiratory depression, constipation, and nausea.
Opioids Adverse Effects Respiratory depression (most concerning), liver toxicity (with
certain opioids and acetaminophen).
Nursing Actions for Opioids Monitor pain level, respiratory rate, level of consciousness
(LOC) using a sedation scale, and bowel function before and after administration. Have
naloxone (opioid antagonist) available.
Teaching for Opioids Avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants, report constipation, and
do not operate heavy machinery.
HESI Hint for Opioids Respiratory rate less than 12 breaths/min is a critical finding and
requires immediate intervention.
NSAIDs Action Inhibit prostaglandin synthesis by blocking cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes
in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and CNS.
NSAIDs Side Effects GI upset, bleeding, and renal toxicity.
NSAIDs Adverse Effects GI bleeding, renal failure, and cardiovascular events.
, Nursing Actions for NSAIDs Administer with food, monitor for GI bleeding (black stools),
assess renal function (BUN, creatinine).
Teaching for NSAIDs Report signs of bleeding, take with food, and avoid alcohol.
Acetaminophen Action Primarily acts in the CNS to reduce pain and fever.
Acetaminophen Side Effects Generally well-tolerated but can cause liver toxicity with
overdose or chronic high doses.
Acetaminophen Adverse Effects Hepatotoxicity (liver damage).
Nursing Actions for Acetaminophen Monitor liver function tests (LFTs).
Teaching for Acetaminophen Do not exceed the maximum daily dose (typically 4000
mg/day), avoid alcohol.
HESI Hint for Acetaminophen Acetaminophen is generally safe in recommended doses
but can cause liver damage; NSAIDs have a higher risk of GI bleeding.
Triptans Action Selective serotonin receptor agonists that cause vasoconstriction of
cranial blood vessels.
Triptans Adverse Effects Vasoconstriction (chest pain, hypertension).
Nursing Actions for Triptans Assess for cardiac history (contraindicated in patients with a
history of heart disease). Monitor blood pressure.
