1/26/2022
PAIN
NUR 106
INFLAMMATION
& FEVER
Learning Outcomes
• Know the drug classes, mechanism of action,
side effects, and important adverse events for
opioid and nonopioid analgesics.
• Explain the general strategies for treating pain
and inflammation.
• Know the classes of drugs known as antiinflammatories, corticosteroids, and antipyretic
medications, their actions and side effects.
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1/26/2022
PAIN
Defined:
“Pain is an unpleasant sensory and
emotional experience that is usually
associated with trauma or disease.”
Pain is always SUBJECTIVE…
Nonpharmacologic
al Pain Treatment
•
•
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•
•
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Acupuncture
Massage
Heat or Cold packs
Meditation/Prayer
Relaxation
Art/Music therapy
Physical therapy
Nerve Stimulator (TENS)
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1/26/2022
PAIN
MECHANISM
Pain signals begin at “nociceptors”- nerve
endings located within body tissues then
proceed to the CNS.
*Target Areas *
– Peripheral level (NSAIDS)
– CNS Level (Opioids)
THE SCIENCE OF
OPIOIDS
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1/26/2022
 First line drug for
severe or extreme
pain
 Natural or Synthetic
Substances
 Inhibit pain: Brain,
Spinal Cord, &
Periphery
OPIOID ANALGESICS
“Droopy Drawers”
 Depressed Resp
 Decreased B/P
 Constipation
 Urinary Retention
 Blurred Vision
 Dependence
Opioid Side Effects
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1/26/2022
NURSING CONSIDERATIONS
Assess
Assess respiratory status
Assess
Assess for changes in LOC
Assess
Assess potential for opioid dependency
Monitor
Monitor urine output for retention
Monitor
Monitor bowel habits for constipation
OPIOID ANTAGONIST
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Emergency Overdose Treatment
Naloxone (Narcan)
Side Effects
“PERKY” Pants = INCREASED
Perspiration
Pulse
Pressure
Pain
Puke
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1/26/2022
 NONOPIOID
ANALGESICS
reduces fever
mild to mod.
pain
 Analgesic

Treatment of Mild to Moderate Pain
 Reduce fever and inflammation
Acetaminophen
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1/26/2022
N- Acetylcysteine
Acetaminophen “Antidote”
Non-Opioid
Considerations
N= No Alcohol
S = Salt and fluid retention
A = Acute kidney failure
I = Inhibits prostaglandins
D = Do take with food
S = Stop 1 week prior to
surgery
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1/26/2022
Special Cases:
(other than relieving
pain/inflammation)
ASPIRIN
Side Effects
Prophylaxis
for CV
events…
Chest
pains?
Chew one
Stomach
irritation
N/V
Bleeding
Non-Opioid vs. Opioid Agonists
Ketorolac - Toradol
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