Question

A patient is being discharged home on an around-the-clock (ATC) opioid for postoperative pain. Because of this order, the nurse anticipates an additional order for which class of medication? A. Opioid antagonists B. Antiemetics C. Stool softeners D. Muscle relaxants

Short answer

C. Stool softeners

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Effects of Opioids

Recognize that opioids often cause constipation as a common side effect by slowing down gastrointestinal motility.

Anticipating Additional Medication

Knowing that constipation is a common side effect, anticipate that an additional medication would be prescribed to counteract this effect.

Identifying the Correct Medication Class

Among the options provided, stool softeners are commonly prescribed alongside opioids to prevent constipation, thus being the anticipated additional order.

Key concepts

Opioid Side Effects

Opioid medications are effective for managing postoperative pain, but they come with a range of potential side effects that healthcare providers aim to mitigate. One of the most common side effects is a decrease in gastrointestinal motility, which often leads to constipation. Other side effects may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sedation, and respiratory depression. It's crucial for patients to be aware of these potential issues and to communicate any concerns with their healthcare provider. This knowledge allows for more tailored and safer pain relief management.

Understanding the way opioids affect the body is essential for anticipating additional treatments that may be required to address side effects. A balanced approach to pain management often involves using opioids in conjunction with other medications or strategies to decrease the likelihood of unwanted reactions.

Constipation Prevention

Constipation is a side effect that can cause significant discomfort and impact a patient's recovery journey. It is caused by the slowed movement of the digestive system under the influence of opioids. To prevent this, healthcare providers often prescribe stool softeners or laxatives to help maintain bowel regularity.

Patients can take additional steps to help prevent constipation, such as increasing their fibre intake, staying hydrated, and engaging in regular physical activity as permitted by their condition. Patient education is essential so that individuals understand the importance of these measures and can take proactive steps to minimize constipation. Often, adjusting lifestyle habits in conjunction with medication use can optimize patient comfort and enhance recovery post-surgery.

Patient Discharge Education

Effective discharge education is a cornerstone of postoperative care, particularly when patients are prescribed medications like ATC opioids. Prior to discharge, healthcare professionals should ensure that patients understand their medication regimen, the importance of medication adherence, and how to manage potential side effects.

Patients should receive clear instructions regarding the timing and dosing of their medications, as well as the use of any additional medications such as stool softeners. They also need to be informed about the symptoms that require immediate medical attention, such as signs of severe constipation, respiratory depression, or allergic reactions. Providing comprehensive discharge instructions, which include both verbal and written information, can help patients manage their care effectively and decrease the likelihood of postoperative complications.