What it means
The group of strong pain medicines that includes morphineMOR-feenA strong opioid drug used to relieve moderate to severe pain.Full entry , hydromorphonehy-droh-MOR-foneA strong opioid pain medicine, given by mouth, by injection or into a vein.Full entry , oxycodoneok-see-KOH-doneAn opioid pain medicine taken by mouth, as quick-acting or long-acting tablets.Full entry , fentanyl and codeine. They act on opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord to block pain signals. Common side effects are sleepiness, constipation, nausea and itching; the most serious is slow, shallow breathing (respiratory depression). They can also lead to misuse and dependence.
For the nurse
Before each dose, check pain, respiratory rateRES-pur-uh-tor-ee RAYTThe number of breaths a person takes in one minute.Full entry , depth of breathing and level of sedation; hold the dose and report a client who is hard to wake or breathing slowly. Naloxone reverses opioids and should be at hand. Give a stool softener or laxative as ordered to prevent constipation, and teach the client not to drive or drink alcohol.
In a chart
"Respirations 8 and shallow, difficult to arouse after opioid dose; naloxone given per protocol."
At a glance
| Spanish | analgésico opioide |
|---|---|
| Also written | opiates, opiate, opioids, opioid, opioid analgesics, narcotic analgesic, narcotic analgesics |
Related terms
analgesic
A drug that relieves pain.
constipation
Bowel movements that happen less often than usual, with hard, dry stool that is difficult to pass.
morphine
A strong opioid drug used to relieve moderate to severe pain.
hydromorphone
A strong opioid pain medicine, given by mouth, by injection or into a vein.
oxycodone
An opioid pain medicine taken by mouth, as quick-acting or long-acting tablets.