OCS Pharmacology & Pain Management Flashcards

Opioid medications prescribed for orthopedic pain work primarily by binding to which receptor type in the CNS?

Answer: Mu (μ) opioid receptors

Opioids exert their analgesic effect primarily through activation of mu (μ) opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral tissues.

A patient reports taking gabapentin for neuropathic pain after lumbar surgery; this medication acts by blocking which ion channel?

Answer: Voltage-gated calcium channels

Gabapentin binds to the α2δ subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels, reducing calcium influx and thereby decreasing excitatory neurotransmitter release involved in neuropathic pain.

The numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) is considered a minimally clinically important difference (MCID) of how many points for orthopedic patients?

Answer: 2 points

A change of 2 points on the 0-10 NPRS is widely accepted as the minimally clinically important difference in most orthopedic and musculoskeletal pain populations.

When is it appropriate for an OCS to modify treatment intensity for a patient actively using opioid medications?

Answer: When the patient shows signs of sedation, impaired cognition, or poor coordination that affect safety

Opioid-related sedation, cognitive impairment, and coordination deficits create safety risks during exercise, requiring the OCS to modify treatment intensity accordingly.

Which pain assessment approach is recommended for patients who are unable to verbally report pain, such as those with severe cognitive impairment?

Answer: Behavioral observation scales such as the PAINAD (Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia)

Behavioral observation scales like PAINAD assess facial expressions, vocalizations, body language, and other nonverbal pain behaviors in patients unable to self-report.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are used in orthopedic practice to promote tissue healing; which growth factor released by platelets plays a key role in stimulating tenocyte proliferation?

Answer: Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and other growth factors released from platelet alpha granules stimulate cell proliferation, collagen synthesis, and tissue repair in tendons.