active recall part IV


Opioids (Morphine & Codeine)

Q: What are the prototype opioid drugs?
A: Morphine and Codeine.

Q: What is the primary indication for opioids?
A: Moderate to severe pain.

Q: What is the most dangerous adverse effect of opioids?
A: Respiratory depression.

Q: What CNS adverse effects occur with opioids?
A: Sedation, drowsiness, dizziness.

Q: What GI adverse effect occurs with opioids?
A: Constipation.

Q: What cardiovascular effect may opioids cause?
A: Hypotension.

Q: What should the nurse assess before giving an opioid?
A: Pain level, respiratory rate, level of consciousness.

Q: What respiratory rate would make you question administering an opioid?
A: Usually less than 12 breaths/min.

Q: What patient teaching is important for opioids?
A: Avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants, do not drive until effects are known, increase fluids/fiber for constipation.


Opioid Agonist-Antagonist

Q: What is the prototype opioid agonist-antagonist?
A: Pentazocine.

Q: Why should pentazocine be used cautiously in opioid-dependent patients?
A: It may precipitate withdrawal.


Pain Concepts

Q: What are the three major components of pain discussed in the objectives?
A: Pain perception, pain type, pain interpretation.

Q: What is the nurse's most reliable indicator of pain?
A: The patient's report.


Aspirin (Salicylate)

Q: What is the prototype salicylate?
A: Aspirin.

Q: What are common indications for aspirin?
A: Pain, fever, inflammation, antiplatelet therapy.

Q: What serious GI adverse effect is associated with aspirin?
A: GI bleeding.

Q: What is salicylism?
A: Aspirin toxicity characterized by tinnitus (ringing in ears).

Q: Why should aspirin be avoided in children with viral illnesses?
A: Risk of Reye syndrome.

Q: What should the nurse monitor in patients taking aspirin?
A: Bleeding, bruising, GI upset.


NSAIDs

Q: What is the prototype nonspecific COX inhibitor?
A: Ibuprofen.

Q: What enzyme do NSAIDs inhibit?
A: Cyclooxygenase (COX).

Q: What does inhibiting COX decrease?
A: Prostaglandin production.

Q: What are the major therapeutic effects of NSAIDs?
A: Pain relief, anti-inflammatory effects, antipyretic effects.

Q: What major adverse effect do NSAIDs share with aspirin?
A: GI irritation and GI bleeding.

Q: What organ system should be monitored with long-term NSAID use?
A: Kidneys.


Celecoxib

Q: What type of NSAID is celecoxib?
A: COX-2 selective inhibitor.

Q: Why was celecoxib developed?
A: To reduce GI adverse effects associated with COX-1 inhibition.

Q: Does celecoxib completely eliminate GI risk?
A: No.


Acetaminophen

Q: What is the prototype para-aminophenol derivative?
A: Acetaminophen.

Q: What are the primary uses of acetaminophen?
A: Pain relief and fever reduction.

Q: Does acetaminophen have significant anti-inflammatory effects?
A: No.

Q: What is the major toxicity associated with acetaminophen?
A: Liver toxicity.

Q: What patient teaching is important for acetaminophen?
A: Avoid exceeding the maximum daily dose and check combination products for hidden acetaminophen.


Nursing Implications

Q: What is the nurse's role in pain management?
A: Assess pain, administer medications safely, evaluate response, educate patient.

Q: What is the most important way to evaluate pain medication effectiveness?
A: Reassess the patient's pain after administration.

Q: Why is reassessment important?
A: To determine whether the medication achieved the desired therapeutic effect.


The 10 Things I'd Memorize Before Bed

  1. Morphine = prototype opioid

  2. Codeine = opioid

  3. Pentazocine = opioid agonist-antagonist

  4. Aspirin = salicylate

  5. Ibuprofen = nonspecific COX inhibitor

  6. Celecoxib = COX-2 selective inhibitor

  7. Acetaminophen = liver toxicity

  8. Aspirin = GI bleeding + tinnitus + Reye syndrome

  9. Opioids = respiratory depression + constipation

  10. Pain reassessment is how you evaluate effectiveness

If you can answer these active recall questions without looking, you'll have covered a huge portion of Part IV's testable material. 💊🔥