#364: Eight Pain Medications Nurses Should Know

In this episode, we explore the essential aspects of pain management, focusing on eight commonly used pain medications nurses should know. We break down the updated analgesic ladder, which guides healthcare providers in selecting the right pain relief strategy based on the severity of the pain—from non-opioid options to strong opioids and even non-pharmacologic interventions. We also discuss the pros and cons of non-opioid medications like acetaminophen, ketorolac, and gabapentin, and explain when and why opioids are used. With opioid medications, understanding concepts like equianalgesic dosing is crucial, especially considering the risks of oversedation, respiratory depression, and other side effects. Tune in to get a comprehensive overview of pain management strategies, learn critical safety considerations, and discover how to apply these principles in your clinical practice. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of pain medications and improve patient care. ___________________ Full Transcript - Read the article and view references FREE CLASS - If all you've heard are nursing school horror stories, then you need this class! Join me in this on-demand session where I dispel all those nursing school myths and show you that YES...you can thrive in nursing school without it taking over your life! Pharmacology Success Pack - Want to get a head start on pharmacology? Download the FREE Pharmacology Success Pack. Fast Pharmacology - Learn pharmacology concepts in 5 minutes or less in this audio based program. Perfect for on-the-go review! Straight A Nursing App - Study on-the-go with the Straight A Nursing app! Review more than 5,000 flashcards covering a wide range of subjects including Fundamentals, Pediatrics, Med Surg, Mental Health, Maternal Newborn, and more! Available for free in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. 💕Did you love this episode? Please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode! ___________________ The information, including but not limited to, audio, video, text, and graphics contained on this podcast are for educational purposes only. No content on this podcast is intended to guide nursing practice and does not supersede any individual healthcare provider's scope of practice or any nursing school curriculum. Additionally, no content on this podcast is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Straight a Nursing is a proud member of the Airwave Media Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices