Medications that Affect the CNS: Pain, Sleep, & Comfort

This set of flashcards includes key vocabulary terms and definitions related to medications affecting the central nervous system, focusing on pain management, opiate and non-opiate analgesics, and pertinent nursing implications.

Acute Pain

A type of pain that occurs suddenly and is usually sharp in quality, often associated with a specific injury or condition.

Chronic Pain

Pain that persists for a longer period, often defined as lasting more than 3-6 months, and may not be linked to a specific injury.

Opiate

A drug that is derived from the opium poppy and binds to opioid receptors in the brain to reduce pain.

Non-Opiate Analgesics

Medications that relieve pain without using narcotics, such as NSAIDs and acetaminophen.

Cyclooxygenase (COX) Enzymes

Enzymes that play a key role in the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins, which mediate inflammation and pain.

NSAIDs

Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fever.

Acetaminophen

A non-narcotic analgesic that reduces fever and alleviates mild to moderate pain without anti-inflammatory properties.

ADRs

Adverse Drug Reactions, negative effects that occur as a result of medication use.

Reye’s Syndrome

A serious condition that can occur in children/teens given aspirin during a viral illness, leading to brain and liver damage.

Hepatotoxicity

Toxicity that causes damage to the liver, often associated with drug overdose.

Tinnitus

A ringing or buzzing noise in the ears that can be a symptom of salicylate toxicity.

Glucocorticosteroids

A class of anti-inflammatory medications used in the treatment of severe arthritis unresponsive to other medications.

Gout

A form of arthritis characterized by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, causing painful swelling and inflammation.

Hyperuricemia

An abnormally high level of uric acid in the blood, which can lead to gout.

Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitors

Medications that decrease uric acid production, used to manage chronic gout.

Partial Agonist

A drug that binds to an opioid receptor and activates it but produces a smaller response than a full agonist.

Antagonist

A substance that binds to a receptor but does not activate it, effectively blocking the action of agonists.

Narcotic Analgesics

Medications that include opiates and synthetic opioids, commonly used for pain relief.

Black Box Warning

A safety alert issued by the FDA highlighting serious risks associated with a medication.

Tolerance

A physiological state where a person requires a higher dose of a drug to achieve the same effect.

Psychological Dependence

A condition in which a person feels a compulsion to use a substance despite negative consequences.

Physical Dependence

A physiological state resulting from chronic use of a substance, leading to withdrawal symptoms upon cessation.

Addiction

A chronic disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking, continued use despite harmful consequences, and long-lasting changes in the brain.

Naloxone

An opioid antagonist used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose, including respiratory depression.

Opioid Overdose Symptoms

Common symptoms include respiratory depression, pinpoint pupils, and coma.

SAMe

S-adenosyl-L-methionine, an herbal product that has been shown to relieve joint pain and has antidepressant effects.

Muscle Relaxants

Medications that help relieve muscle spasms and symptoms of discomfort.

Urine Drug Screens

Testing to detect the presence of drugs or their metabolites in urine, often used in addiction treatment monitoring.

Colchicine

A medication used to treat acute gout attacks, known for gastrointestinal side effects.

Prostaglandins

Hormone-like substances that perform a variety of functions, including mediating inflammation and pain.

Fever Management

The use of medications to reduce fever, commonly using NSAIDs or acetaminophen.

Joint Inflammation

Swelling or irritation of the joints, often leading to pain and limited mobility.

Tophaceous Gout

The chronic form of gout, characterized by deposits of uric acid crystals in soft tissue and joints.

Adjunctive Therapy

Additional treatments used alongside primary treatments to enhance patient care.

Acute Renal Failure

A rapid decline in kidney function, often a risk with certain medications used in gout management.

Serotonin Syndrome

A potentially fatal condition resulting from excess serotonin, often as a side effect of combining certain medications.

Acute Pain Management

The process of providing immediate care and medications to alleviate pain symptoms after an injury or surgery.

Behavioral Deterrent

Methods or treatments intended to reduce the likelihood of substance misuse.

Narcotic Withdrawal Symptoms

Physical effects experienced when a dependent individual abruptly reduces or stops opioid use.

Methadone

A long-acting opioid used in pain management and treatment of opioid addiction.

Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

Medications that reduce inflammation in the body, commonly used in pain management.

Acid-Base Imbalances

Disruptions in the normal balance of acids and bases in the body, potentially leading to various health issues.

Topical Pain Relief

Local application of medications to relieve pain in specific areas.

Narcotic Agonists

Drugs that activate opioid receptors in the body to produce effects similar to those of natural pain-relieving compounds.

Gout Flares

Acute episodes of joint inflammation in individuals with gout.

Cytokines

Proteins involved in signaling processes in the immune system, often increased during inflammation.

Dosing Schedule

The timing and frequency of administered medications, critical for effective treatment outcomes.

Educational Materials

Resources provided to patients to help them understand their medications and health management.

Rebound Pain

Pain that may increase when the effect of pain medication wears off.

Patient Comfort Measures

Techniques used to enhance comfort in patients, such as environmental modifications.

Morphine

A powerful opiate analgesic used for pain relief, known for high abuse potential.

Antidote

A substance that can counteract the effects of a poison or overdose.

Oxycodone

A semi-synthetic opioid used to treat pain, often combined with acetaminophen.

Hydrocodone

An opioid used for pain relief, frequently combined with other medications.

Gabapentin

Medication used for neuropathic pain, often an adjunctive treatment.

Urinary Retention

Inability to empty the bladder fully, can be a side effect of certain pain medications.