Page 2077 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

3. Used for relief of mild, moderate, or severe pain

B. Medications (Box 59-12)

1. Codeine
a. Codeine also is an effective cough
suppressant at low doses.
b. It can cause constipation.
2. Hydromorphone
a. Hydromorphone can decrease
respirations.
b. It can cause constipation.
3. Meperidine
a. Meperidine can cause hypotension,
dizziness, and urinary retention.
b. Is not commonly prescribed but may be
used for acute pain and as a
preoperative medication
c. May lead to increased intracranial
pressure (ICP) in clients with head
injuries
d. Contraindicated in clients with head
injuries and increased ICP, respiratory
disorders, hypotension, shock, and
severe hepatic and renal disease and in
clients taking monoamine oxidase
inhibitors
e. Should not be taken with alcohol or a
sedative-hypnotic, because it may
increase the CNS depression
f. Should be used cautiously in children
and adults with a seizure disorder or a
history of seizures, because it
decreases the seizure threshold
4. Morphine

a. Morphine can cause respiratory

depression, orthostatic hypotension,
and constipation.
b. May cause nausea and vomiting
because of increased vestibular
sensitivity
c. Used for acute pain caused by
myocardial infarction or cancer, for
dyspnea caused by pulmonary edema,
for surgery, and as a preoperative
medication
d. Is contraindicated in clients with severe

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