Description:
Opioid analgesics are a group of
drugs commonly used to treat the normal predicted physiologic response to an
adverse chemical, thermal, or mechanical stimulus that is associated with acute
illness, trauma, or surgery. This article discusses the principles,
administration, and problems associated with the use of opioid analgesics in
the adult population. The themes explored are opioid analgesics, problems
associated with their use, and the management of adult clients.
Learning Objectives:
- Discuss opioid analgesics
- Reflect on problems associated with opioids
- Describe methods of working with adult clients prescribed opioids
Author(s):
Linda Joseph-Massiah, RN, Ph. D., CHE
Robert James, RN, BHSc
Launched: 2002