Pain Management & Non-Opioid Analgesics

Vocabulary flashcards based on the study notes for Pain Management and Non-Opioid Analgesics, covering pain types, NSAIDs, Acetaminophen, and Tramadol.

Pain

The fifth vital sign that should be assessed regularly along with temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure.

Acute Pain

Pain with a sudden onset and a clear cause, such as injury, illness, or trauma.

Chronic Pain

Pain that persists for an extended period and can be more challenging to treat.

Nociceptive Pain

Pain resulting from tissue damage and inflammation.

Somatic Pain

A type of nociceptive pain arising from structures such as bones, muscles, and joints.

Visceral Pain

A type of nociceptive pain arising from internal organs.

Neuropathic Pain

Pain caused by damage or dysfunction of the nervous system.

First-Generation NSAIDs

Non-selective analgesic medications (such as Aspirin and Ibuprofen) that inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes to treat pain, fever, and inflammation.

Prostaglandins

Substances involved in pain, inflammation, and fever whose production is reduced by inhibiting COX enzymes.

Signs of GI Bleeding

Clinical indicators to monitor during NSAID therapy, including black, tarry stools and coffee-ground emesis.

Reye's Syndrome

A severe risk associated with administering aspirin to children or adolescents under 18 years old.

Second-Generation NSAIDs

Analgesic medications (such as Celecoxib) that selectively inhibit COX-2 to reduce pain and inflammation with fewer GI effects, but increased thromboembolic/cardiovascular risk.

Celecoxib

The prototype second-generation NSAID that selectively inhibits COX-2.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

A non-opioid agent that inhibits COX in the CNS to reduce pain and fever, but does NOT possess significant anti-inflammatory effects.

Hepatotoxicity

Liver damage, which is the main serious adverse effect associated with chronic use or overdose of acetaminophen.

Maximum Daily Acetaminophen Dose

The maximum recommended intake of acetaminophen, which is $4\,\text{g}$ per day.

Tramadol

A dual-mechanism analgesic for moderate to moderately severe pain that binds to opioid receptors and blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin in the CNS.

Serotonin Syndrome

A dangerous condition caused by an excess of serotonin, which has an increased risk when tramadol is combined with SSRIs, MAOIs, or St. John's Wort.

Naloxone

An opioid reversal agent kept available during tramadol administration to treat respiratory depression, though it may be only partially effective.

First-generation NSAIDs Summary Table

Summary table displaying the main use (pain, fever, inflammation), main action (inhibit COX-1 and COX-2), and biggest risks (GI bleeding, kidney problems) for first-generation NSAIDs.

Non-Opioid & Dual-Mechanism Analgesics Summary Table

Summary table listing main uses, main actions, and biggest risks for second-generation NSAIDs, acetaminophen, and tramadol.