Opioid Agonist-Antagonists

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Questions and Answers

A client with a history of opioid dependence is prescribed butorphanol for pain management. What is the MOST important nursing action prior to administering the medication?

  • Monitor the client's blood pressure for potential hypertension.
  • Inquire about the client's recent opioid use and patterns. (correct)
  • Administer a test dose of naloxone to assess opioid tolerance.
  • Ensure the client has access to opioid medications for breakthrough pain.

A client is prescribed pentazocine for post-operative pain. Which pre-existing condition would be MOST concerning?

  • Cardiac insufficiency (correct)
  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus
  • Controlled hypertension
  • A history of migraines

A client receiving butorphanol complains of dizziness when ambulating. What is the MOST appropriate initial nursing intervention?

  • Request an order for a lower dose of butorphanol.
  • Monitor the client closely during ambulation and provide assistance. (correct)
  • Administer an antiemetic medication.
  • Instruct the client to ambulate more quickly to reduce dizziness.

A client has been receiving pentazocine for chronic pain management. Which of the following findings would suggest the client is experiencing opioid withdrawal?

<p>Muscle pain, pupil dilation, and a runny nose (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A client's respiratory rate is 10 breaths per minute after administration of butorphanol. What is the priority nursing action?

<p>Withhold the medication, stimulate breathing, and notify the provider. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement BEST describes the pharmacologic action of opioid agonist-antagonists?

<p>Mu receptor antagonists and kappa receptor agonists. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A client receiving an opioid agonist-antagonist reports feeling anxious and restless. Which of the following interventions is MOST appropriate?

<p>Assess for other signs and symptoms of opioid withdrawal. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The health care provider prescribes pentazocine and naloxone (Talwin NX) orally for a client. What is the purpose of combining these two drugs?

<p>Prevent dependence (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A nurse is preparing to administer pentazocine to a client. Which assessment finding would be of greatest concern, requiring the nurse to withhold the medication and contact the provider?

<p>Respiratory rate of 10 breaths/min. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A client with a history of opioid dependence is prescribed butorphanol for postoperative pain. Which of the following is the most important nursing consideration regarding this medication order?

<p>Monitoring the client for signs of withdrawal. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A client is prescribed both an opioid and an opioid agonist-antagonist. What is the expected interaction between these medications?

<p>Decreased effects of the opioid. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A client receiving butorphanol reports dizziness and lightheadedness. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention?

<p>Instruct the client to lie down or sit to prevent falls. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A client is prescribed intranasal butorphanol for pain management. Which instruction should the nurse include in the client's education?

<p>Alternate nostrils with each administration, using one spray per nostril every 60-90 minutes as needed (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pre-operative orders for pain management should the nurse question?

<p>Administer pentazocine orally 30 minutes prior to surgery. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A client with a history of hypertension is prescribed pentazocine for pain. What is the nurse's priority action?

<p>Administer the medication and monitor blood pressure closely. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A client is being discharged home with a prescription for pentazocine for short-term pain relief. Which of the following instructions is most important for the nurse to emphasize?

<p>Avoid driving or operating machinery while taking this medication. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A client who has been receiving butorphanol regularly for chronic pain suddenly stops taking the medication. Which of the following is the client most at risk for experiencing?

<p>Withdrawal symptoms (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are opioid agonist-antagonists such as butorphanol and pentazocine generally contraindicated for clients with acute myocardial infarction?

<p>They increase myocardial oxygen demand. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Opioid Agonist-Antagonists

Relieve moderate to severe pain; act as anesthesia adjuncts.

Examples of Opioid Agonist-Antagonists

Butorphanol (injection/nasal spray) and pentazocine (oral, with naloxone). Buprenorphine also included.

Pharmacologic Action

Mu receptor antagonists (block) and kappa receptor agonists (activate).

Effects of Agonist-Antagonists

Less respiratory depression/dependence, milder analgesia. Can cause withdrawal in opioid-addicted individuals.

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Adverse Reactions

Limited respiratory depression, sedation, dizziness, headache, nausea. Increased cardiac workload.

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Opioid Withdrawal Manifestations

Cramps, diarrhea, agitation, anxiety, hypertension, tremors, muscle pain, pupil dilation, runny nose, insomnia.

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Abstinence Syndrome

Physical/psychological manifestations when stopping/decreasing medication.

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Nursing Interventions

Assess opioid use history, monitor vital signs (especially respirations), avoid in cardiac insufficiency/MI.

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Medication Safety Check

Ensure clients don't receive meds causing adverse reactions related to other meds or medical disorders.

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Medication Clarification

Clarify prescription with provider before administration.

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Opioid Agonist-Antagonist Routes

IM, IV, intranasal; pentazocine orally for non-invasive use or self-administration.

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Vitals Monitoring

opioid agonist-antagonists, measure baseline vitals before and monitor throughout therapy.

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Respiratory Rate Threshold

Don't give at RR < 12/min.

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Client Instructions

Take only when needed, short-term. Avoid driving/alert activities. Sit/lie down if dizzy. Not for anginal pain. Don't take with opioids.

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Contraindications

Acute MI, opioid dependence.

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Precautions

Caution with substance use disorder, head injury/ICP, reduced respiratory reserve, hepatic/renal disease, cardiac insufficiency, hypertension.

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CNS Depressant Interaction

Increase CNS and respiratory depression risk.

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Opioid Interaction

Decreases the effects of the opioid.

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Study Notes

  • Opioid agonist-antagonists aid in relieving moderate to severe pain, and act as an adjunct to anesthesia.

Prototype and Other Medications

  • Prototype medications include butorphanol and pentazocine.
  • Butorphanol is available in injectable or nasal spray form.
  • Pentazocine, combined with naloxone, is available in oral form.
  • Buprenorphine is another medication in this category.

Expected Pharmacologic Action

  • Opioid agonist-antagonists act as mu receptor antagonists and kappa receptor agonists.
  • These medications have fewer mu-related adverse effects like respiratory depression, euphoria, and dependence.
  • They produce milder analgesic effects than pure opioid agonists.
  • Opioid agonist-antagonists can cause withdrawal in clients addicted to opioids, so it is important to know patient's history.

Adverse Drug Reactions

  • Adverse reactions include limited respiratory depression, sedation, dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, headache, and nausea.
  • Butorphanol and pentazocine increase cardiac workload.
  • Abstinence syndrome may occur in clients who become dependent.
  • Opioid withdrawal manifestations include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, agitation, anxiety, hypertension, tachycardia, tremors, muscle pain, pupil dilation, runny nose, and insomnia.

Interventions

  • Inquire about opioid use before administering.
  • Measure baseline vital signs and monitor respirations.
  • If respiratory rate falls below 12/min, withhold and stimulate breathing.
  • Monitor clients when ambulating for dizziness or lightheadedness.
  • Avoid use in clients with myocardial infarction or cardiac insufficiency.

Administration

  • Opioid agonist-antagonists can be administered intramuscularly, intravenously, or intranasally.
  • Pentazocine is given orally when an invasive route is not warranted.
  • Measure baseline vital signs before administration and monitor throughout therapy, and do not administer if respiratory rate is less than 12/min.
  • For intranasal butorphanol, give one spray into one nostril and repeat every 60 to 90 minutes as needed.
  • For preoperative IM administration, give it 60 to 90 min as prescribed before surgery.
  • Monitor therapeutic effects to ensure effective pain relief.
  • Avoid abrupt discontinuation after extended use.

Client Instructions

  • Take only when needed and on a short-term basis.
  • Avoid driving or activities requiring mental alertness.
  • Sit or lie down if experiencing dizziness or lightheadedness.
  • Changing positions gradually may minimize these effects.
  • Do not use for anginal pain due to effect on cardiac output.
  • Avoid taking opioids while taking an opioid agonist-antagonist.

Contraindications and Precautions

  • Avoid use in clients with acute myocardial infarction or opioid dependence.
  • They are schedule IV controlled substances, so use them with caution for clients who have a history of substance use disorder.
  • Use caution in clients with head injury or increased intracranial pressure, reduced respiratory reserve, hepatic or renal disease, or cardiac insufficiency, as well as clients who have hypertension.

Interactions

  • Avoid with other CNS depressants like barbiturates, phenobarbital, benzodiazepines, and alcohol.
  • Administration with an opioid will decrease the effects of the opioid.

Question Answer

  • Butorphanol is an unsafe analgesic choice for a client who uses a fentanyl patch for chronic pain.

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