Overview of Pain Management Medications

These flashcards cover key concepts related to pain management medications including mechanisms of action, indications, adverse effects, and nursing considerations.

Caine

Type of local anesthetics used to block pain in a specific area.

Local Anesthetics

Medications that numb a specific area without causing loss of consciousness.

Amides

A class of local anesthetics that includes Lidocaine.

Ethers

A class of local anesthetics that includes Chloroprocaine.

Mechanism of Action (MOA)

The process by which a drug produces its effects, such as blocking Na⁺ channels in local anesthetics.

Adverse Effects (AE)

Unintended side effects caused by a medication.

CNS Effects

Central nervous system reactions that can lead to excitation and sedation.

Cardiac Effects

Cardiovascular responses including suppression and vasodilation.

Epinephrine

A drug used with local anesthetics to prolong the effect by causing vasoconstriction.

Indications (IND)

Conditions or situations in which a drug is used.

Topical Anesthesia

An application of anesthetics to the skin or mucous membranes.

Epidural Anesthesia

An injection of anesthetic into the epidural space to block pain from a larger area.

General Anesthetics

Medications that cause total loss of consciousness for major surgical procedures.

Nitrous Oxide

A gas used as a weak general anesthetic with analgesic properties.

Malignant Hyperthermia

A life-threatening reaction to certain anesthetics that leads to rapid temperature increase.

Dantrolene

A medication used to treat malignant hyperthermia by relaxing muscles.

Isoflurane

A potent inhaled anesthetic with a weak analgesic effect.

Propofol

An IV anesthetic used for induction and maintenance of anesthesia.

Neuromuscular Blocking Agents

Drugs that cause muscle paralysis during surgery.

Vecuronium

A neuromuscular blocker used for intubation and surgery.

Hydromorphone

A strong opioid analgesic used for moderate to severe pain.

Naloxone

An opioid antagonist used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose.

Acetylsalicylic Acid

Another name for Aspirin, a non-selective COX inhibitor.

COX Inhibitors

Drugs that block cyclooxygenase enzymes and reduce pain and inflammation.

Ibuprofen

A non-selective COX inhibitor used as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory.

Celecoxib

A selective COX-2 inhibitor with a lower risk of gastrointestinal effects.

Acetaminophen

A non-opioid analgesic that is safer than NSAIDs in terms of GI bleeding.

Antiemetics

Medications used to prevent nausea and vomiting.

Polypharmacy

The concurrent use of multiple medications, often in elderly patients.

FLACC Scale

A pain assessment tool for children based on facial expressions, legs, activity, cry, and consolability.

Sedation Level

The degree of sedation achieved in a patient, which must be monitored.

Pain Management

A multidisciplinary approach to assess and relieve pain.

Pain Assessment Notes

Observations and evaluations to guide pain relief techniques.

Individualized Care

Tailoring pain management strategies to meet the unique needs of each patient.

Side Effects Monitoring

Keeping track of adverse effects and adjusting treatment accordingly.

Patient Education

Informing patients about their medications to promote better outcomes.

Dosage Adjustment

Modifying the amount of medication administered based on the patient’s condition.

High-Risk Patients

Individuals who are more susceptible to adverse effects or complications due to their health status.