Question

The physician has ordered Stadol (butorphanol) for a postoperative client. The nurse knows that the medication is having its intended effect if the client: A. Is asleep 30 minutes after the injection B. Asks for extra servings on his meal tray C. Has an increased urinary output D. States that he is feeling less nauseated

Short answer

Answer: The primary purpose of Stadol (butorphanol) is to provide pain relief for the client. However, none of the provided options directly indicate that the client is experiencing pain relief. An appropriate option would be one that directly relates to a decrease in the client's pain level.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the drug's purpose

Stadol (butorphanol) is an opioid pain medication used to treat moderate to severe pain. It is particularly used in postoperative pain management.

Analyze each option

A. Is asleep 30 minutes after the injection: While Stadol might cause drowsiness, it is not primarily intended to put the client to sleep. Therefore, this is not the correct answer. B. Asks for extra servings on his meal tray: This is unrelated to the pain medication's purpose, and it's not the correct answer. C. Has an increased urinary output: There is no specific connection between Stadol and increased urinary output. Therefore, this answer is not correct. D. States that he is feeling less nauseated: Pain medications like Stadol can sometimes cause nausea as a side effect. However, the primary purpose of Stadol is pain relief.

Identify the correct answer

Since the primary purpose of Stadol (butorphanol) is pain relief, the correct answer would be the option that shows the client is experiencing pain relief. However, none of the given options directly indicate that he is feeling pain relief. It seems there is a mistake in the options provided. Therefore, we cannot determine the correct answer based on the given choices. An appropriate option would be one that directly relates to a decrease in the client's pain level.

Key concepts

Postoperative Pain Management

After surgery, patients often experience significant discomfort due to the invasive nature of the procedure. Managing this pain effectively is crucial to help patients recover quickly and improve their overall experience.
Effective postoperative pain management aims to:

• Reduce pain to a tolerable level
• Facilitate earlier mobilization and recovery
• Prevent chronic pain development
• Improve patient satisfaction

Pain management involves a comprehensive approach that may include several strategies such as pharmacological methods using medications and non-pharmacological techniques like hot/cold therapy, relaxation, and physical therapy.
The goal is to tailor the pain management plan to the specific needs of each patient to ensure effective relief while minimizing side effects.

Opioid Medications

Opioid medications are powerful pain relievers commonly used in the postoperative setting to manage moderate to severe pain. Butorphanol (brand name Stadol) is an example of such medication.
Opioids work by binding to specific receptors in the brain and spinal cord, effectively blocking pain signals and altering the perception of pain.

• Common effects of opioids include pain relief, sedation, and euphoria.
• Possible side effects are nausea, vomiting, constipation, and respiratory depression.
• These medications require careful monitoring due to the risk of dependency and addiction.

Healthcare professionals need to balance the benefits of pain relief with the potential for side effects or complications. This means choosing the right opioid, dosing it properly, and monitoring the patient carefully.

Nursing Pharmacology

Nursing pharmacology is fundamental for nurses to safely administer medications and educate patients about their treatments. Nurses must understand how drugs work, their effects, side effects, and interactions.
In postoperative care, nursing pharmacology involves:

• Administering prescribed medications like opioids based on the physician's orders.
• Monitoring and assessing the patient for therapeutic effects and potential side effects.
• Educating patients and families about their medications, including proper use and potential risks.

Knowledge in pharmacology enables nurses to play a pivotal role in promoting positive patient outcomes.
As frontline healthcare providers, nurses are well-positioned to observe how a patient responds to medications and collaborate with other healthcare team members to adjust treatment plans as necessary.