6 Adverse Effects and Risk Reduction Free Online FlashCards

What common effects can opioids cause?

Opioids can cause constipation, nausea, itching, dizziness, drowsiness, and impaired judgment. Slowed breathing can become life-threatening.

Which signs may indicate an opioid overdose?

Warning signs include inability to wake the person, very slow or shallow breathing, blue or gray lips or fingertips, limpness, and choking or gurgling sounds.

What should you do for a suspected opioid overdose?

Call 911 immediately, give naloxone if available and follow its instructions, and stay with the person. Rescue breathing or CPR may be needed.

Why must someone stay with a person after giving naloxone?

Naloxone can wear off before the opioid does, so the person may remain at risk and needs continued observation and emergency care.

What can increase opioid-related sedation and breathing suppression?

Alcohol and sedating medicines—including benzodiazepines, sleep medicines, muscle relaxants, and gabapentin or pregabalin—can add to opioid sedation and breathing suppression.

What is a key acetaminophen risk, and how can accidental excess happen?

Excess acetaminophen can injure the liver. Combining multiple products that contain it, including cold remedies, can cause accidental excess.

How should the FDA adult acetaminophen maximum be understood?

The FDA adult maximum of 4,000 mg in 24 hours is an upper limit, not a target; some products specify a lower maximum.

What serious harms can NSAIDs cause?

NSAIDs can cause ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney problems, fluid retention, and heart attack or stroke, as well as stomach upset.

What is an important precaution when using more than one NSAID product?

Do not combine multiple NSAIDs unless a clinician directs you to.

Which factors can increase the risk of serious NSAID effects?

Risk may be higher with a history of ulcers or bleeding, kidney or cardiovascular disease, older age, or use of blood thinners or corticosteroids.

What effects and dosing consideration are important for gabapentin or pregabalin?

Gabapentin and pregabalin can cause dizziness, sleepiness, blurred vision, or difficulty concentrating. Kidney function can affect their dosing.

When are breathing problems a concern with gabapentin or pregabalin?

Combining gabapentin or pregabalin with opioids or other sedatives can cause breathing problems, especially in older adults or people with impaired lung function.