CPAN Pain Management Flashcards

Which medication class is commonly used as an adjunct to opioids for post-operative pain management in the PACU?

Answer: NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)

NSAIDs reduce inflammation and provide analgesia, allowing for reduced opioid doses and fewer opioid-related side effects.

What is the PACU nurse's primary role in patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) management?

Answer: Educating the patient on proper PCA use and monitoring for side effects

The PACU nurse educates patients on correct PCA use and monitors for complications including respiratory depression and inadequate pain control.

What does the term 'breakthrough pain' mean in PACU pain management?

Answer: Pain that exceeds the control of the current analgesic regimen

Breakthrough pain refers to episodes of acute pain that are not adequately controlled by the current analgesic regimen in place.

Which assessment scale is specifically designed for pain assessment in non-verbal PACU patients?

Answer: Behavioral Pain Scale (BPS)

The Behavioral Pain Scale assesses pain based on observable behaviors such as facial expression, body movements, and ventilator compliance in patients who cannot self-report.

What is a regional nerve block in the context of PACU pain management?

Answer: Local anesthetic injected near specific nerves to block pain in a defined area

Regional nerve blocks involve injecting local anesthetic near specific nerves to provide targeted pain relief with minimal systemic effects.

How should a PACU nurse document pain assessments to ensure continuity of care?

Answer: Before and after every pain intervention, including time, score, and patient response

Accurate pain documentation includes pre- and post-intervention pain scores, timing, and patient response to ensure safe continuity of care.