{"id":450,"date":"2019-12-01T20:17:09","date_gmt":"2019-12-01T20:17:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.publishdot.com\/nursingpharmacology\/chapter\/10-4-nursing-process-for-analgesics-and-musculoskeletal-medications\/"},"modified":"2021-12-07T11:31:01","modified_gmt":"2021-12-07T11:31:01","slug":"10-4-nursing-process-for-analgesics-and-musculoskeletal-medications","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.publishdot.com\/nursingpharmacology\/chapter\/10-4-nursing-process-for-analgesics-and-musculoskeletal-medications\/","title":{"raw":"10.4 Nursing Process for Analgesics and Musculoskeletal Medications","rendered":"10.4 Nursing Process for Analgesics and Musculoskeletal Medications"},"content":{"raw":"
\n\nNow that we have reviewed basic concepts related to pain and several disorders requiring analgesic or musculoskeletal medication, let\u2019s consider the nursing process and how it applies to these types of medications.\n

Assessment<\/h2>\nAlthough there are numerous details to consider when administering medications, it is important to always first think about what you are giving and why?\n\nFirst, let\u2019s think of why?\n\nAnalgesic medications are given to alleviate pain. An important piece of your nursing assessment should be to assess the patient\u2019s pain level.\u00a0 The patient's pain level is what the patient says it is. This is accomplished by using a pain scale. Always find out the acceptable pain level for your patient. See Figure 10.5[footnote]\"Mnemonics for Pain Assessment\" by Julie Teeter is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a>[\/footnote]<\/sup> for common nursing mnemonics for pain assessment.\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"598\"]\"Image Figure 10.5 Mnemonics for Pain Assessment[\/caption]\n\nVisual pain scales have been developed as a tool of communication about pain with children through patients at end of life. See Figure 10.6[footnote]Wong-Baker FACES Foundation (2020). Wong-Baker FACES\u00ae Pain Rating Scale. Retrieved [2020] with permission from http:\/\/www.WongBakerFACES.org<\/a>[\/footnote]<\/sup> for the FACES Pain Rating Scale.\u00a0 To use this scale,\u00a0 use the following evidence-based instructions. Explain to the patient that each face represents a person who has no pain (hurt), some, or a lot of pain.\u00a0 \"Face 0 doesn't hurt at all.\u00a0 Face 2 hurts just a little.\u00a0 Face 4 hurts a little more.\u00a0 Face 6 hurts even more. Face 8 hurts a whole lot.\u00a0 Face 10 hurts as much as you can imagine, although you don't have to be crying to have this worst pain.\"\u00a0 Ask the person to choose the face that best represents the pain they are feeling.\n\n<\/div>\nAdditional baseline information to collect prior to administration of any analgesic or musculoskeletal medication includes any history of allergy or previous adverse response.\n
\n\n\"Image\n\nFigure 10.6. The Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale.\u00a0 Used with permission from http:\/\/www.WongBakerFACES.org<\/a>.\n

Implementation of Interventions<\/strong><\/h2>\nWith the administration of analgesic or musculoskeletal medications, it is important to always perform the five rights (right patient, medication, dose, route, and time) and to check for allergies prior to administration. Prior to administration, it is important to consider the best route of administration for this patient at this particular time. For example, if the patient is nauseated and vomiting, then an oral route may not be effective. See Figure 10.7 for a list of common opioid medications ranging from use for moderate to severe pain.[footnote]Vallerand, A. & Sanoski, C. A. (2019). Davis\u2019s Drug Guide for Nurses <\/em>(16th ed.).<\/em> F.A. Davis Company.[\/footnote]<\/sup>\u00a0 When administering opioid medications, it is important to remember that these medications are controlled substances with special regulations regarding storage, auditing counts, and disposal or wasting of medication. See more information about controlled substances in the \"Legal\/Ethical\" chapter.\n

Common Opioid Analgesics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n
Generic Name<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/th>\n
\n
Trade Name(s)<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/th>\n
\n
Route<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/th>\n
\n
Adult Dosage<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
codeine\/acetaminophen<\/th>\nTylenol #3<\/td>\nPO<\/td>\n30 mg\/300 mg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
fentanyl<\/th>\nDuragesic\n\nSublimaze<\/td>\nTransdermal\n\nIM\n\nIV<\/td>\n12 mcg-100mcg\/hr\n\n0.5-1 mcg\/kg\n\n0.5-1 mcg\/kg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
hydrocodone\/acetaminophen<\/th>\nLortab\n\nNorco\n\nVicodin<\/td>\nPO\n\nPO\n\nPO<\/td>\n5 mg\/300mg or 325 mg\n\n10 mg\/320mg or 325 mg\n\n <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
hydromorphone<\/th>\nDilaudid<\/td>\nPO\n\nRectal\n\nSubQ, IM & IV<\/td>\n4-8 mg\n\n3 mg\n\n1.5 mg (may be increased)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
morphine<\/th>\nDuramorph, MS Contin, Oramorph SR, & Roxanol-T<\/td>\nPO & Rectal\n\nSubQ, IM, & IV<\/td>\n30 mg (may be increased)\n\n4-10 mg (may be increased)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
oxycodone<\/strong>\n\noxycodone\/acetaminophen<\/strong><\/th>\nOxy IR, Oxycontin & Oxy-FAST\n\nPercocet & Roxicet<\/td>\nPO\n\nPO<\/td>\n5 mg-10 mg (may be increased)\n\n5 mg\/325 mg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\nFigure 10.7 Table of Common Opioid Analgesics\u00a0<\/em>\n\nA general rule of thumb when administering analgesics is to use the least invasive medication that is anticipated to treat the level of pain reported by the patient. The WHO ladder was originally developed for selection of analgesics for patients with cancer but illustrates the concept that pain control should be based on the level indicated by the patient. See Figure 10.8[footnote]World Health Organization. Cancer pain relief. 2nd ed. Geneva: WHO; 1996.[\/footnote]<\/sup> for an image of the WHO ladder. For example, if a patient reports a pain level of \u201c2,\u201d then it is appropriate to start at the lowest rung of the ladder and administer a non-opioid. However, it may be clinically indicated to start at \u201cLevel 3\u201d on the WHO ladder for patients who present with severe, difficult pain.\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"584\"]\"Image Figure 10.8 The WHO Pain Ladder. This diagram below shows the step-wise approach to cancer pain management recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO)[\/caption]\n\nIt is important to anticipate any common side effects and the expected outcome of the medication, as well as considerations regarding what to teach the patient and their family regarding the medications.\n

Evaluation<\/strong><\/h2>\nIt is important to always evaluate the patient\u2019s response to the medication. With analgesic medications, the nurse should assess for decrease in pain 30 minutes after IV administration and 60 minutes after oral medication. If the patient\u2019s pain level is not acceptable, the nurse should investigate alternate treatment modalities. These modalities may include, but not limited to, aromatherapy, repositioning the patient, hot or cold treatments, and listening to music. As the nurse is the patient advocate, the healthcare provider may have to be informed if the patient's pain is not being controlled by analgesics. One of the adverse effects of opioid analgesics is respiratory depression. The nurse should evaluate the respiratory rate and pulse oximetry after administration of the medication. Other common side effects of opioid analgesic medications are constipation or nausea. The nurse may need to consider administering other medications that treat the side effects of analgesic medication.\n\n<\/div>","rendered":"
\n

Now that we have reviewed basic concepts related to pain and several disorders requiring analgesic or musculoskeletal medication, let\u2019s consider the nursing process and how it applies to these types of medications.<\/p>\n

Assessment<\/h2>\n

Although there are numerous details to consider when administering medications, it is important to always first think about what you are giving and why?<\/p>\n

First, let\u2019s think of why?<\/p>\n

Analgesic medications are given to alleviate pain. An important piece of your nursing assessment should be to assess the patient\u2019s pain level.\u00a0 The patient’s pain level is what the patient says it is. This is accomplished by using a pain scale. Always find out the acceptable pain level for your patient. See Figure 10.5[1]<\/sup><\/a><\/sup> for common nursing mnemonics for pain assessment.<\/p>\n

\"Image
Figure 10.5 Mnemonics for Pain Assessment<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Visual pain scales have been developed as a tool of communication about pain with children through patients at end of life. See Figure 10.6[2]<\/sup><\/a><\/sup> for the FACES Pain Rating Scale.\u00a0 To use this scale,\u00a0 use the following evidence-based instructions. Explain to the patient that each face represents a person who has no pain (hurt), some, or a lot of pain.\u00a0 “Face 0 doesn’t hurt at all.\u00a0 Face 2 hurts just a little.\u00a0 Face 4 hurts a little more.\u00a0 Face 6 hurts even more. Face 8 hurts a whole lot.\u00a0 Face 10 hurts as much as you can imagine, although you don’t have to be crying to have this worst pain.”\u00a0 Ask the person to choose the face that best represents the pain they are feeling.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Additional baseline information to collect prior to administration of any analgesic or musculoskeletal medication includes any history of allergy or previous adverse response.<\/p>\n

\n

\"Image<\/p>\n

Figure 10.6. The Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale.\u00a0 Used with permission from http:\/\/www.WongBakerFACES.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Implementation of Interventions<\/strong><\/h2>\n

With the administration of analgesic or musculoskeletal medications, it is important to always perform the five rights (right patient, medication, dose, route, and time) and to check for allergies prior to administration. Prior to administration, it is important to consider the best route of administration for this patient at this particular time. For example, if the patient is nauseated and vomiting, then an oral route may not be effective. See Figure 10.7 for a list of common opioid medications ranging from use for moderate to severe pain.[3]<\/sup><\/a><\/sup>\u00a0 When administering opioid medications, it is important to remember that these medications are controlled substances with special regulations regarding storage, auditing counts, and disposal or wasting of medication. See more information about controlled substances in the “Legal\/Ethical” chapter.<\/p>\n

Common Opioid Analgesics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n
Generic Name<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/th>\n
\n
Trade Name(s)<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/th>\n
\n
Route<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/th>\n
\n
Adult Dosage<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
codeine\/acetaminophen<\/th>\nTylenol #3<\/td>\nPO<\/td>\n30 mg\/300 mg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
fentanyl<\/th>\nDuragesic<\/p>\n

Sublimaze<\/td>\n

Transdermal<\/p>\n

IM<\/p>\n

IV<\/td>\n

12 mcg-100mcg\/hr<\/p>\n

0.5-1 mcg\/kg<\/p>\n

0.5-1 mcg\/kg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

hydrocodone\/acetaminophen<\/th>\nLortab<\/p>\n

Norco<\/p>\n

Vicodin<\/td>\n

PO<\/p>\n

PO<\/p>\n

PO<\/td>\n

5 mg\/300mg or 325 mg<\/p>\n

10 mg\/320mg or 325 mg<\/p>\n

 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

hydromorphone<\/th>\nDilaudid<\/td>\nPO<\/p>\n

Rectal<\/p>\n

SubQ, IM & IV<\/td>\n

4-8 mg<\/p>\n

3 mg<\/p>\n

1.5 mg (may be increased)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

morphine<\/th>\nDuramorph, MS Contin, Oramorph SR, & Roxanol-T<\/td>\nPO & Rectal<\/p>\n

SubQ, IM, & IV<\/td>\n

30 mg (may be increased)<\/p>\n

4-10 mg (may be increased)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

oxycodone<\/strong><\/p>\n

oxycodone\/acetaminophen<\/strong><\/th>\n

Oxy IR, Oxycontin & Oxy-FAST<\/p>\n

Percocet & Roxicet<\/td>\n

PO<\/p>\n

PO<\/td>\n

5 mg-10 mg (may be increased)<\/p>\n

5 mg\/325 mg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Figure 10.7 Table of Common Opioid Analgesics\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

A general rule of thumb when administering analgesics is to use the least invasive medication that is anticipated to treat the level of pain reported by the patient. The WHO ladder was originally developed for selection of analgesics for patients with cancer but illustrates the concept that pain control should be based on the level indicated by the patient. See Figure 10.8[4]<\/sup><\/a><\/sup> for an image of the WHO ladder. For example, if a patient reports a pain level of \u201c2,\u201d then it is appropriate to start at the lowest rung of the ladder and administer a non-opioid. However, it may be clinically indicated to start at \u201cLevel 3\u201d on the WHO ladder for patients who present with severe, difficult pain.<\/p>\n

\"Image
Figure 10.8 The WHO Pain Ladder. This diagram below shows the step-wise approach to cancer pain management recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It is important to anticipate any common side effects and the expected outcome of the medication, as well as considerations regarding what to teach the patient and their family regarding the medications.<\/p>\n

Evaluation<\/strong><\/h2>\n

It is important to always evaluate the patient\u2019s response to the medication. With analgesic medications, the nurse should assess for decrease in pain 30 minutes after IV administration and 60 minutes after oral medication. If the patient\u2019s pain level is not acceptable, the nurse should investigate alternate treatment modalities. These modalities may include, but not limited to, aromatherapy, repositioning the patient, hot or cold treatments, and listening to music. As the nurse is the patient advocate, the healthcare provider may have to be informed if the patient’s pain is not being controlled by analgesics. One of the adverse effects of opioid analgesics is respiratory depression. The nurse should evaluate the respiratory rate and pulse oximetry after administration of the medication. Other common side effects of opioid analgesic medications are constipation or nausea. The nurse may need to consider administering other medications that treat the side effects of analgesic medication.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

  1. \"Mnemonics for Pain Assessment\" by Julie Teeter is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a> ↵<\/a><\/li>
  2. Wong-Baker FACES Foundation (2020). Wong-Baker FACES\u00ae Pain Rating Scale. Retrieved [2020] with permission from http:\/\/www.WongBakerFACES.org<\/a> ↵<\/a><\/li>
  3. Vallerand, A. & Sanoski, C. A. (2019). Davis\u2019s Drug Guide for Nurses <\/em>(16th ed.).<\/em> F.A. Davis Company. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  4. World Health Organization. Cancer pain relief. 2nd ed. Geneva: WHO; 1996. ↵<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/div>","protected":false},"author":2,"menu_order":4,"template":"","meta":{"pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":"cc-by"},"chapter-type":[49],"contributor":[],"license":[53],"class_list":["post-450","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry","chapter-type-numberless","license-cc-by"],"part":436,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.publishdot.com\/nursingpharmacology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/450","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.publishdot.com\/nursingpharmacology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.publishdot.com\/nursingpharmacology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.publishdot.com\/nursingpharmacology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.publishdot.com\/nursingpharmacology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/450\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":451,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.publishdot.com\/nursingpharmacology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/450\/revisions\/451"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.publishdot.com\/nursingpharmacology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/436"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.publishdot.com\/nursingpharmacology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/450\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.publishdot.com\/nursingpharmacology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=450"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.publishdot.com\/nursingpharmacology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=450"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.publishdot.com\/nursingpharmacology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=450"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.publishdot.com\/nursingpharmacology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=450"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}