ABPANC Pain Management & Comfort Care Flashcards

Which of the following is an opioid-sparing analgesic strategy used in Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols?

Answer: Preoperative acetaminophen, regional nerve blocks, and scheduled NSAIDs

ERAS protocols use preoperative acetaminophen loading, regional anesthesia, and scheduled NSAIDs to minimize opioid requirements and side effects.

A PACU patient receiving IV opioids develops pruritus. Which medication is most commonly used to treat opioid-induced pruritus?

Answer: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or low-dose nalbuphine

Diphenhydramine or low-dose nalbuphine (mixed opioid agonist-antagonist) effectively treats opioid-induced pruritus without fully reversing analgesia.

When should a PACU nurse reassess a patient's pain following IV opioid administration?

Answer: 15–30 minutes after administration to evaluate analgesic effect

IV opioids reach peak effect within 5–15 minutes, making reassessment at 15–30 minutes appropriate to evaluate efficacy and safety.

Post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is closely associated with which of the following?

Answer: Opioid administration, female gender, and history of motion sickness

PONV risk factors include opioid use, female gender, non-smoking status, and prior history of PONV or motion sickness.

Which intervention is appropriate when a post-operative patient reports inadequately controlled pain despite receiving ordered analgesics?

Answer: Reassess pain characteristics, explore non-pharmacologic options, and contact the provider for additional orders

Uncontrolled post-operative pain requires thorough reassessment, use of adjunct non-pharmacologic measures, and provider contact for additional analgesic options.

Which route of administration provides the fastest onset of analgesia for acute post-operative pain in the PACU?

Answer: Intravenous (IV)

Intravenous administration provides the fastest onset of analgesic effect, making it the preferred route for acute pain management in the PACU.