Meds-2

Numeric Rating Scale
- Definition: A subjective assessment tool where patients rate their pain on a scale typically from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst pain imaginable.
FLACC Scale (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability)
- Definition: A behavioral pain assessment tool used primarily for nonverbal patients, including children and individuals with cognitive impairments.
- Components:
- Face
  - Facial expression observed to estimate pain levels.
- Legs
  - Movement or positioning of legs.
- Activity
  - General body movement.
- Cry
  - Vocal expressions of pain or discomfort.
- Consolability
  - Capability to be comforted or soothed.
Pain Assessment Acronym: PQRST
- P: Provocation or palliation - What makes the pain worse or better?
- Q: Quality - Describing the pain (sharp, dull, etc.).
- R: Region and radiation - Where is the pain located and does it radiate?
- S: Severity - Intensity of the pain on a scale.
- T: Time - Duration of the pain's occurrence.

Guided Imagery
- A relaxation technique that uses visualization to promote mental tranquility and manage pain.
Deep Breathing Exercises
- Technique that encourages relaxation and can help decrease pain perception.
Heat and Ice Therapy
- Alternate application of heat and ice to manage acute and chronic pain conditions.
Biofeedback
- A technique that trains individuals to improve their health by controlling bodily processes.
Meditation
- A practice that involves focusing the mind to achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm state which aids in pain management.
Positioning and Use of Pillows
- Adjusting body position and utilizing pillows for comfort during pain episodes.

NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)
- Side Effects:
- Bleeding, gastrointestinal upset.
Adjuvant Medications
- Definition: Medications that are not primarily designed to control pain but can enhance pain relief and reduce opioid requirements.
- Examples:
- Hydroxyzine
  - Class: Antihistamine. Used for sedation and reduction of pain sensation during opioid administration.
- Duloxetine
  - Class: Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI). Used for managing neuropathic pain, particularly in diabetic patients.
  - Important: Should be taken regularly, not as needed, to maintain blood levels.
- Gabapentin
  - Used for neuropathic pain, recommended to be taken on a regular schedule.
Herbal Medications
- St. John's Wort
- Caution: Risk of serotonin syndrome when taken with antidepressants due to increased serotonin levels.
- Echinacea
- Purpose: Immune support.
- Valerian Root
- Purpose: Sleep aid and sedation.
- Glucosamine
- Purpose: Treatment for joint pain.
- Ginkgo Biloba
- Caution: Risk for bleeding, should be avoided before surgeries.

Pain Management Procedure for Patients
- Steps to follow upon being requested for pain medication:
- Verify the last administered pain medication to prevent overdose.
- Assess pain location, intensity, and characteristics.
- Reposition the patient to alleviate discomfort.
- Check vital signs to monitor any changes related to pain.
Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA) Pump
- Used postoperatively to provide analgesic medication to patients at their discretion.

Beclomethasone
- Class: Corticosteroid. Used for asthma and COPD management.
- Side Effect: Risk of oropharyngeal thrush.
Beta-2 Adrenergic Agonists
- Example: Albuterol
- Class: Short-acting bronchodilator (rescue medication).
- Mechanism: Relaxes bronchial smooth muscle to relieve acute asthma symptoms.
- Salmeterol
- Class: Long-acting bronchodilator.

Monitor vital signs including heart rate and rhythm in patients using bronchodilators due to possible cardiovascular effects.
Recognize that pain can affect vital signs, such as increasing blood pressure and respiratory rates.

Review and practice information prior to examinations, emphasizing understanding and retention of medication classifications and their applications in clinical settings.
Exam Schedule: Thursday at 05:30.