Question

A postoperative client is requesting the prescribed oxycodone 5mg by mouth for pain. What assessment data should the nurse collect before administering this medication?

Answer 1

Oxycodone

Oxycodone is a semi synthetic opioid.It is usually administered by mouth.It can be administered either alone or in combination with acetaminophen for pain relief.

Pharmacological name- Oxycodone hydrochloride

Action- Analgesic

Mechanism of action

These act on the receptors located on neuronal cell membranes. Oxycodone inhibit the neurotransmitter release in the nervous system and thereby reducing the pain.

Indication

Moderate to severe pain

Contraindications

Respiratory depression

Paralytic ileus

Acute abdomen

Delayed gastric emptyi

Antidote- Naloxone

Assessment

1.collect the history of any lung diseases such as COPD , asthma etc.

2. Assess the heart rate, respiration and blood pressure .

3. Assess the pain level.

4.Assess patient ‘s ability to chew.

5.Advice the patient to swallow the drug as whole.

6.Advice the patient not to chew, break, divide, crush or dissolve the drug.

7.Assess any breathing problems such as slowed breathing, shortness of breath etc.

8.Collect the detailed history of taking other drugs such as antibiotics and antifungals , sedatives etc

9.Inform about the side effects like breathing difficulties, dizziness, light headedness, extreme sleepiness .