Types of Pain
Pain caused by tissue injury such as a cut, fracture, or surgery is known as what type of pain?
Nociceptive
Rationale: Nociceptive pain involves somatic or visceral tissues.
Opioids primarily relieve pain by acting on receptors located in what system?
Central nervous system (CNS)
Rationale: Opioids bind to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord to reduce pain perception.
Name one common non‑opioid analgesic used for mild to moderate pain or fever.
Acetaminophen or an NSAID (e.g., ibuprofen).
Rationale: Non‑opioids are first‑line options for many pain conditions and reduce opioid exposure.
Why are muscle relaxants used cautiously with opioids?
Increased CNS depression
Rationale: Combined effects increase fall and respiratory risk.
A patient on NSAIDs develops black stools. What is the concern?
GI bleeding
Rationale: NSAIDs inhibit prostaglandins that protect gastric mucosa.
True or False: Pain is whatever the patient says it is.
True
Rationale: Pain is subjective, and the patient’s report is the most reliable indicator.
Name one common opioid medication.
Morphine, hydromorphone, oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl
Rationale: These medications are commonly used for moderate to severe pain management.
Why should acetaminophen be used cautiously in patients with liver disease?
Increased risk of hepatotoxicity.
Rationale: Acetaminophen is metabolized by the liver; injury lowers safe thresholds
Muscle relaxants are primarily prescribed to treat what condition?
Muscle spasms
Rationale: Muscle relaxants reduce involuntary muscle contraction associated with acute musculoskeletal conditions.
Why must total daily acetaminophen intake be monitored closely?
Risk of liver toxicity
Rationale: Excess acetaminophen damages liver cells and can cause acute liver failure.
Pain that originates from internal organs such as the stomach or intestines is classified as what?
Visceral pain
Rationale: Visceral pain comes from internal organs and is often described as deep, pressure‑like, or cramping.
In addition to pain relief, opioids commonly cause what side effect?
Constipation
Rationale: Opioids slow GI motility, making constipation one of the most common side effects.
Why are NSAIDs often taken with food or milk?
To reduce GI irritation and ulcer risk.
Rationale: NSAIDs impair gastric mucosal protection; food lowers irritation.
True or False: Muscle relaxants act primarily on the skeletal muscles themselves.
False
Rationale: Most muscle relaxants act on the central nervous system, not directly on the muscle.
**What's an example of a direct acting skeletal muscle relaxant?
A patient on pain medication becomes increasingly confused and difficult to arouse. What should the nurse do FIRST?
Assess airway, breathing, and level of consciousness
Rationale: Life‑threatening toxicity must be ruled out before other actions.
Burning, tingling, or shooting pain caused by nerve damage is known as what type of pain?
Neuropathic pain
Rationale: Neuropathic pain results from injury or dysfunction of the nervous system.
What vitals should be monitored closely in patients receiving opioids?
Risk of respiratory depression
Rationale: Opioids depress the CNS, which can suppress breathing.
Why is combining multiple acetaminophen‑containing products dangerous?
Risk of unintentional overdose.
Rationale: Duplicate therapy can exceed safe daily limits and cause liver injury.
A patient receiving muscle relaxants should be cautioned about which activity?
Driving or operating machinery
Rationale: Sedation and slowed reaction time increase accident risk.
Which nursing action helps prevent medication toxicity before it occurs?
Accurate assessment and proper dosing
Rationale: Prevention through assessment and monitoring is the nurse’s primary safety role.
What is the key difference between acute and chronic pain?
Duration
Rationale: Acute pain is short‑term and resolves with healing, while chronic pain lasts longer than 3–6 months and may persist without tissue injury.
Why should opioids be used cautiously in older adults?
Increased risk of falls and respiratory depression
Rationale: Older adults are more sensitive to CNS‑depressant effects.
A patient taking ibuprofen reports black, tarry stools. What should the nurse do FIRST?
Hold the medication and notify the provider.
Rationale: Melena suggests GI bleeding—a serious NSAID complication requiring prompt action.
A patient on a muscle relaxant becomes excessively drowsy and unsteady. What should the nurse do FIRST?
Implement fall precautions and notify the provider
Rationale: Safety measures must be initiated immediately in response to CNS depression.
What is the reversal agent/antidote for acetaminophen?
N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)