6 Safe and Multimodal Pain Management Free Online FlashCards

What should pain assessment consider beyond a numerical rating?

Ask what activity or daily-life goal the patient wants to improve, then reassess both symptoms and function.

What is multimodal care for a mild ankle sprain?

Combine suitable treatments, such as a nonopioid medicine with ice, elevation, rest, or gradual return to activity.

Why check multiple products for acetaminophen?

Acetaminophen appears in many combination products, so check active ingredients and directions to avoid taking too much, which can cause serious liver injury.

What adjuvant medicines may help certain neuropathic pain?

Selected antidepressants or anticonvulsants may help certain neuropathic pain conditions; the choice depends on the diagnosis and the patient’s health and medicines.

Why review sedatives when a patient takes an opioid?

Opioids combined with benzodiazepines, gabapentinoids, alcohol, or other central nervous system depressants can increase dangerous sedation and slowed breathing.

What are warning signs of opioid overdose?

Warning signs include being unable to awaken, slow or shallow breathing, and bluish lips or nails.

Which opioid patient merits naloxone risk discussion?

A history of overdose combined with benzodiazepine use is a risk factor that merits discussion of overdose prevention and access to naloxone.

What principles guide opioid prescribing for acute pain?

When initiating opioid therapy, favor immediate-release medication at the lowest effective dose, for a quantity suited to the expected duration of severe pain, with follow-up.

What use instructions reduce opioid-related harm?

Take opioids only as prescribed and do not share them. Avoid alcohol and check with a clinician or pharmacist before combining them with sedating medicines.

How should unused opioids be stored and handled?

Store opioids securely away from children and others, and arrange safe disposal of unused medicine.

What should guide reassessment when opioid benefit is limited?

Reassess pain, function, patient goals, and adverse effects. Balance meaningful benefit against harms and consider suitable nonopioid and nonmedicine options.

Why should long-term opioid treatment not be stopped abruptly?

Do not make abrupt medication changes without clinical guidance; sudden opioid discontinuation can harm a patient who is physically dependent.