NCLEX-PN

Non-Opioid Analgesics Non-opioid analgesics are non-narcotic medications used to treat mild pain, and they can also serve as adjuvant medications for pain relief. They include: ●​ Tylenol (Acetaminophen) : Side effects can include hepatotoxicity (liver toxicity), renal damage, and, in severe cases, hepatic failure. ●​ NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) : Examples include Ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Naprosyn, and Naproxen. ○​ Side effects may encompass nausea, indigestion, headache, fecal occult blood, and anorexia. ○​ Severe side effects can include aplastic anemia, gastrointestinal tract bleeding, edema, and renal failure. ●​ Selective COX-2 Inhibitors (e.g., Celebrex) : Common side effects include abdominal pain, gastrointestinal gas, headache, insomnia, nausea, and bloating. ○​ Serious side effects may include gastrointestinal hemorrhage, stroke (cerebrovascular accident), and heart attack (myocardial infarction). ●​ Salicylate NSAIDs (e.g., Aspirin) : Side effects range from abdominal pain and ulcers to heartburn. ○​ Severe reactions include hemolytic anemia, bronchospasm, and anaphylactic shock. ●​ Centrally Acting Non-Opioid Analgesics (e.g., Clonidine) : Side effects can involve oral dryness, drowsiness, sedation, constipation, hypotension, and fatigue. It's essential for nurses to assess the client's pain, determine its intensity, and consider any underlying conditions before administering appropriate pain management medications. Careful monitoring of side effects and adverse reactions is crucial for client safety and well-being. Documentation of medication administration, including the type, dosage, route, time, and the client's response, is a critical aspect of the nursing process in pain management. Assessing the Client's Need for PRN Pain Medication Some pain medication orders are prescribed as " PRN " ( pro re nata ), indicating that the client should receive the medication as needed based on the nurse's assessment of pain or discomfort. PRN pain medications can be administered via various routes, including intramuscular, intravenous, oral, subcutaneous, and topical (for skin irritation or itchiness). As previously discussed in the section titled " Assessing the Need for Pain Management ," pain can be categorized in different ways, such as acute or chronic, nociceptive or neuropathic, and by location,

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