Opioid Analgesics
Opioid Analgesics ( 5 Questions)
A nurse is administering nalbuphine to a client who has moderate pain. The client asks the nurse how this drug works.
What should the nurse say?
It describes the mechanism of action of pure opioid agonists, such as morphine or fentanyl, which bind to and activate both mu and kappa receptors, producing strong pain relief and sedation, but also respiratory depression and dependence.
It describes the mechanism of action of partial opioid agonists, such as buprenorphine or tramadol, which bind to and partially activate mu receptors, producing moderate pain relief and less respiratory depression than pure opioid agonists, but also less analgesia.
Nalbuphine is a mixed opioid agonist-antagonist that binds to and activates kappa receptors, producing pain relief and sedation, and blocks mu receptors, preventing respiratory depression. This makes it a safer option than pure opioid agonists for clients who have moderate pain and are at risk of respiratory complications.
It describes the mechanism of action of opioid antagonists, such as naloxone or naltrexone, which bind to and block both mu and kappa receptors, reversing the effects of other opioids, but also precipitating withdrawal symptoms.
Nalbuphine is a mixed opioid agonist-antagonist that binds to and activates kappa receptors, producing pain relief and sedation and blocking mu receptors, preventing respiratory depression. This makes it a safer option than pure opioid agonists for clients who have moderate pain and are at risk of respiratory complications.
Choice A is wrong because it describes the mechanism of action of pure opioid agonists, such as morphine or fentanyl, which bind to and activate both mu and kappa receptors, producing strong pain relief and sedation, but also respiratory depression and dependence.
Choice B is wrong because it describes the mechanism of action of partial opioid agonists, such as buprenorphine or tramadol, which bind to and partially activate mu receptors, producing moderate pain relief and less respiratory depression than pure opioid agonists, but also less analgesia.
Choice D is wrong because it describes the mechanism of action of opioid antagonists, such as naloxone or naltrexone, which bind to and block both mu and kappa receptors, reversing the effects of other opioids, but also precipitating withdrawal symptoms.