Page 309 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

n. Instruct the client to take oral doses
with milk or a snack to reduce gastric
irritation.
o. Instruct the client to avoid activities
that require alertness.
p. Assess the effectiveness of the
medication 30 minutes after
administration.

q. Have an opioid antagonist (e.g.,

naloxone), oxygen, and resuscitation
equipment available.
r. In many states, prescriptions for opioid
analgesics can be given in only very
specific circumstances, and a consent
form needs to be obtained from the
prescribing provider. Frequent
collaboration between the nurse and
the provider on continued need for this
type of medication should be done.

An electronic infusion device is always

used for continuous or dose-demand IV infusion of
opioid analgesics.
2. Codeine sulfate
a. This medication is also used in low
doses as a cough suppressant.

b. It may cause constipation.

c. Common medications in this class are
hydrocodone and oxycodone
(synthetic forms).
3. Hydromorphone

a. The primary concern is

respiration depression.
b. Other effects include drowsiness,
dizziness, and orthostatic hypotension.
c. Monitor vital signs, especially the
respiratory rate and BP.
4. Morphine sulfate
a. Used to ease acute pain resulting from
myocardial infarction or cancer, for
dyspnea resulting from pulmonary
edema, and as a preoperative
medication.

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