PSA Pain Management

Question 1

What is the WHO analgesic ladder?

Accepted Answer

A stepped approach to pain management: Step 1 (non-opioids), Step 2 (weak opioids), Step 3 (strong opioids)

Answer

The WHO ladder provides a systematic approach to pain management, starting with simple analgesics and progressing to stronger options based on pain severity and response.

Question 2

What is the maximum daily dose of paracetamol for adults?

Accepted Answer

4 grams (4000mg) in divided doses with at least 4 hours between doses

Answer

The maximum safe dose is 4g daily for healthy adults, with at least 4 hours between doses. Lower maximums apply to elderly patients and those with liver impairment.

Question 3

What are the main risks of NSAID use?

Accepted Answer

Gastrointestinal bleeding, renal impairment, and cardiovascular events

Answer

NSAIDs carry risks of GI bleeding/ulceration, kidney damage (especially with dehydration), and increased cardiovascular events with prolonged use.

Question 4

Why are opioids prescribed cautiously?

Accepted Answer

Risk of dependence, tolerance, respiratory depression, and constipation

Answer

Opioids carry significant risks including physical dependence, tolerance requiring increasing doses, life-threatening respiratory depression, and universal constipation.

Question 5

What is neuropathic pain and how is it treated differently?

Accepted Answer

Pain caused by nerve damage, often treated with antidepressants or anticonvulsants rather than standard analgesics

Answer

Neuropathic pain (burning, shooting, tingling) results from nerve damage and responds poorly to standard painkillers but often improves with amitriptyline, gabapentin, or pregabalin.

(PSA) Prescribing Safety Assessment Practice Test

(PSA) Prescribing Safety Assessment Practice Test

PSA Pain Management