Chapter 12, Drugs for Pain Management: Drug Therapy for Pain Management

Chapter 12, Drugs for Pain Management
Drug Therapy for Pain Management

Question 1 of 35

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Which drug is the one that all other pain management drugs are compared to for effectiveness?

• • FentanylMorphine is the basic chemical from which the synthetic opioid analgesic fentanyl has been developed.
• Correct
  • MorphineMorphine is the main opioid agonist analgesic, and it is the drug with which all other pain-management drugs are compared for effectiveness.
• • HydrocodoneMorphine is the basic chemical from which the synthetic opioid analgesic hydrocodone has been developed.
• • HydromorphoneMorphine is the basic chemical from which the synthetic opioid analgesic hydromorphone has been developed.

Question 2 of 35

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Which opioid agonist has the same equianalgesic oral dose as morphine?

• • CodeineWhen compared with morphine, codeine is weaker, requiring a higher dose than morphine.
• • FentanylWhen compared with morphine, fentanyl is stronger and would require a lower dose to achieve the same level of pain relief as weaker opioid analgesics.
• Correct
  • HydrocodoneWhen compared with morphine, hydrocodone has the same equianalgesic dose.
• • HydromorphoneWhen compared with morphine, hydromorphone is stronger and does not have the same equianalgesic oral dose.

Question 3 of 35

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Which parameter would the nurse closely monitor in a patient who is prescribed an opioid agonist? Select all that apply. One, some, or all responses may be correct.

• • Liver functionAn opioid agonist affects many body functions but does not require monitoring of liver function.
• Correct
  • Bowel functionThe patient taking opioids needs to have bowel function assessed because all opioids cause constipation and the patient may need a stimulant laxative prescribed.
• Correct
  • Blood pressureAn opioid agonist affects many body functions. If a patient develops hypotension, the healthcare provider needs to be contacted to prevent the development of a coma or death.
• Correct
  • Respiratory rateThe patient taking opioids needs to have respiratory function frequently assessed because of the risk of developing respiratory depression.
• Correct
  • Level of consciousnessAn opioid agonist affects many body functions. If a patient cannot be aroused, the healthcare provider needs to be contacted to prevent the development of a coma or death.

Question 4 of 35

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Which assessment finding would the nurse expect in a patient who is taking an opioid agonist that binds to kappa receptors? Select all that apply. One, some, or all responses may be correct.

• Correct
  • SedationKappa is a main opioid receptor site in the brain. An opioid that binds to kappa sites causes sedation.
• Correct
  • DysphoriaKappa is a main opioid receptor site in the brain. An opioid that binds to kappa sites causes dysphoria.
• • ConstipationConstipation is a response that occurs when an opioid agonist binds to a mu, not a kappa, site.
• • HallucinationsWhen an opioid agonist binds to and activates delta, not kappa, receptors, hallucinations may occur.
• Correct
  • Pupil constrictionKappa is a main opioid receptor site in the brain. An opioid that binds to kappa sites causes constriction of the pupils.

Question 5 of 35

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Which response would the nurse expect when a patient takes an opioid agonist that binds to mu receptors?

• Correct
  • Change in the perception of painMorphine binds most tightly and best to the mu receptor, acting as an agonist. This activates the mu receptors, and the person’s perception of pain is changed. Opioid agonists change only the perception of pain.
• • Promotion of repair of injured tissueOpioid agonists do not promote the repair of injured tissue.
• • Reduction of the cause of pain at the site of injuryOpioid agonists change only the perception of pain; they do nothing at the site of injured tissue to reduce the cause of pain.
• • Reduced transmission of pain impulses from the injuryOpioid agonists do not reduce the transmission of pain impulses from the site of injury. They change only the perception of pain.

Question 6 of 35

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For which reason would the nurse expect an opioid agonist to be prescribed for a patient? Select all that apply. One, some, or all responses may be correct.

• Correct
  • Labor painOpioid agonists are used to manage moderate to severe acute pain and chronic pain. They may be used for pain associated with labor.
• Correct
  • CoughOpioid agonists are used to manage moderate to severe acute pain and chronic pain. They may be used for a chronic cough.
• Correct
  • Before surgeryOpioid agonists are used to manage moderate to severe acute pain and chronic pain. They may be used preoperatively, or before surgery.
• Correct
  • Postoperative painOpioid agonists are used to manage moderate to severe acute pain and chronic pain. They may be used for postoperative pain.
• • Mild pain from an injuryOpioid agonists are used to manage moderate to severe acute pain and chronic pain. They should not be used to treat mild pain after an injury.
• Correct
  • Pain from a disease processOpioid agonists are used to manage moderate to severe acute pain and chronic pain. They may be used to treatment pain caused by a disease process.

Question 7 of 35

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Which assessment finding indicates to the nurse that a patient is experiencing an expected side effect from an opioid agonist? Select all that apply. One, some, or all responses may be correct.

• • OliguriaOpioid agonists can cause serious adverse reactions, such as oliguria, or decreased urine output.
• Correct
  • SedationOne of the common side effects of opioid agonists is sedation, or sleepiness.
• Correct
  • BradycardiaOne of the common side effects of opioid agonists is a slower heartbeat, or bradycardia.
• Correct
  • ConstipationOne of the common side effects of opioid agonists is constipation.
• • HypothermiaHypothermia is a serious adverse reaction, not an expected side effect, associated with an opioid agonist.

Question 8 of 35

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Which term describes a patient’s need to have the dose of an opioid agonist increased to control chronic pain?

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  • ToleranceTolerance is a drug-related metabolism problem that causes the same amount of drug to have less effect over time. Tolerance occurs because the body gradually increases the rate at which it degrades and eliminates the drug. In the case of pain, higher doses are needed for relief.
• • DependenceDependence refers to the withdrawal symptoms that occur when an opioid agonist is stopped or a reversing agent is given.
• • Withdrawal symptomsWithdrawal symptoms are changes in the body or mind, such as nausea or anxiety, that occur when a drug is stopped or reduced after regular use.
• • Substance use disorderPsychological dependence, or substance use disorder (addiction), is the desperate need to have and use a drug for a nonmedical reason.

Question 9 of 35

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Which instruction would the nurse include when teaching a patient about ways to reduce the risk of drug interaction when taking an opioid agonist?

• Correct
  • “Avoid alcohol while taking this drug.”Opioid agonists affect the central nervous system and can be made worse when taken with specific substances such as alcohol.
• • “This drug does not interact with any drugs.”Opioid agonists interact with other drugs that work on the central nervous system, such as alcohol, antianxiety drugs, skeletal muscle relaxants, barbiturates, psychiatric disorder drugs, and other opioid agonists.
• • “Take this drug before taking a prescribed muscle relaxant.”Opioid agonists interact with other drugs that affect the central nervous system, such as muscle relaxants, and should not be taken together.
• • “Take the antianxiety drug before taking the opioid agonist.”Opioid agonists interact with other drugs that affect the central nervous system, such as antianxiety drugs, and should not be taken together.

Question 10 of 35

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Which action would the nurse take before giving a patient a dose of a prescribed opioid agonist?

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  • Measure oxygen saturation.When giving the first dose of an opioid agonist, the respiratory rate and oxygen saturation should be assessed because the drug can cause respiratory depression.
• • Raise the upper side rails on the bed.The upper side rails on the bed should be raised after, not necessarily before, an opioid agonist is provided.
• • Measure blood pressure for orthostatic changes.Opioid agonists can cause hypotension; however, orthostatic changes would not need to be assessed before giving the first dose of an opioid agonist.
• • Ambulate the patient to the bathroom.It is not a necessary nursing intervention to ambulate the patient to the bathroom (unless requested by the patient) before giving a dose of an opioid agonist.

Question 11 of 35

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Which statement indicates that teaching provided to a patient about an opioid agonist has been effective?

• • “I will take a dose of the drug before I drive to work.”The patient taking an opioid agonist should avoid driving because it may impair judgment and reflexes.
• Correct
  • “I will take a stool softener and laxative if I become constipated.”The patient should be instructed to take stool softeners or laxatives to prevent severe constipation when taking an opioid agonist.
• • “I will reduce my intake of fluids and fiber while taking this drug.”The patient should be instructed to increase, not decrease, the intake of fluid and fiber when taking an opioid agonist to prevent the development of constipation.
• • “I will take a dose of the drug after having a cocktail when I get home from work.”The patient should be instructed not to take an opioid agonist with alcohol.

Question 12 of 35

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Which opioid agonist-antagonist would the nurse expect to provide the greatest amount of pain relief?

• • NalbuphineNalbuphine acts as an antagonist at mu-opioid receptors and as an agonist at kappa-opioid receptors, which makes it less effective for pain control.
• • PentazocinePentazocine acts as an antagonist at mu-opioid receptors and as an agonist at kappa-opioid receptors, which makes it less effective for pain control.
• • ButorphanolButorphanol acts as an antagonist at mu-opioid receptors and as an agonist at kappa-opioid receptors, which makes it less effective for pain control.
• Correct
  • BuprenorphineBuprenorphine acts as a partial agonist at mu receptors and as an antagonist at kappa receptors. This allows buprenorphine to have greater pain relief potential than the other three drugs.

Question 13 of 35

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Which opioid agonist-antagonist is available to be given as an oral drug?

• • NalbuphineNalbuphine is available as a parenteral drug.
• Correct
  • PentazocinePentazocine can be given as an oral or parenteral drug.
• • ButorphanolButorphanol is available as a parenteral drug.
• • BuprenorphineBuprenorphine is available as a parenteral drug.

Question 14 of 35

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For which reason would the nurse frequently assess the cardiovascular status of a patient taking an opioid agonist-antagonist drug?

• • The drug reduces left ventricular function.Opioid agonists-antagonists do not specifically reduce left ventricular function.
• • The drug affects the function of the cardiac valves.Opioid agonists-antagonists do not affect the function of the cardiac valves.
• Correct
  • The drug excites the electrical system and causes dysrhythmias.A patient taking an opioid agonist-antagonist would have the cardiovascular system frequently assessed before these drugs can excite the cardiac system and cause dysrhythmias.
• • The drug slows the movement of blood through the pulmonary vein.Opioid agonists-antagonists do not slow the movement of blood through the pulmonary vein.

Question 15 of 35

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Which drug would the nurse question before giving it to a patient who is physically dependent on an opioid agonist?

• • CodeineCodeine is an opioid agonist and would not need to be questioned before giving to the patient who is physically dependent on an opioid agonist.
• Correct
  • PentazocinePentazocine is an opioid agonist-antagonist and should be avoided in a patient who is physically dependent on an opioid agonist because blocking the mu receptor can cause withdrawal symptoms.
• • HydrocodoneHydrocodone is an opioid agonist and would not need to be questioned before giving to the patient who is physically dependent on an opioid agonist.
• • HydromorphoneHydromorphone is an opioid-agonist and would not need to be questioned before giving to the patient who is physically dependent on an opioid agonist.

Question 16 of 35

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Which adverse reaction may occur in a patient who is taking high doses of an opioid agonist-antagonist?

• • SedationSedation is a common side effect of an opioid agonist-antagonist.
• • ConstipationConstipation is a common side effect of an opioid agonist-antagonist.
• Correct
  • HallucinationsHigher doses of opioid agonists-antagonists are associated with hallucinations.
• • Constricted pupilsConstricted pupils are a common side effect of an opioid agonist-antagonist.

Question 17 of 35

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Which drug would the nurse question giving to a patient who is also prescribed a skeletal muscle relaxant?

• • AspirinAspirin is not contraindicated when taking a skeletal muscle relaxant.
• • WarfarinWarfarin is not contraindicated when taking a skeletal muscle relaxant.
• Correct
  • PentazocinePentazocine is an opioid agonist-antagonist whose sedation is made worse when given with a skeletal muscle relaxant.
• • AcetaminophenAcetaminophen is not contraindicated when taking a skeletal muscle relaxant.

Question 18 of 35

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Which response would the nurse provide when asked to explain the mechanism of action of clonidine?

• • “It changes the perception of pain.”Opioid agonists, not clonidine, change the perception of pain.
• • “It alters the conditions at the source of the pain.”Clonidine does not alter the conditions at the source of the pain.
• • “It blocks the actions of neurotransmitters of the spinal cord and brain.”Tramadol, not clonidine, blocks the action of some neurotransmitters in the spinal cord and areas of the brain to reduce pain signal transmission to the brain areas that perceive pain.
• Correct
  • “It blocks pain signals in the spinal cord and prevents them from traveling to the brain.”Clonidine binds to alpha-adrenergic receptors in the spinal cord, which keeps signals from the source of pain from traveling to the brain.

Question 19 of 35

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Which route of administration would the nurse expect to be used when a patient is prescribed clonidine for pain management?

• • OralThe oral route of clonidine is used to control blood pressure and does not have a role in pain management.
• Correct
  • EpiduralClonidine formulated for pain management is approved for severe pain (often cancer pain) and is given as a continuous epidural infusion.
• • IntravenousClonidine is not given through the intravenous route.
• • IntramuscularClonidine is not given through the intramuscular route.

Question 20 of 35

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Which information would the nurse include when teaching a patient about the administration of tramadol?

• • “It causes no severe adverse reactions.”Tramadol should not be taken by anyone who has epilepsy or any other neurological disorder because it can induce seizures.
• Correct
  • “It is as strong as codeine for pain control.”Tramadol is used for moderate or moderately severe acute pain. It is as strong as codeine and is often used with acetaminophen.
• • “It can be safely taken with other opioid pain medications.”The sedating and central nervous system effects of tramadol are made worse with opioid analgesics.
• • “It should not be taken if you take medications for high blood pressure.”Clonidine, not tramadol, dilates blood vessels, which can lead to severe hypotension, and should not be used in patient with low blood pressure or patients taking medications to treat high blood pressure.

Question 21 of 35

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Which question would the nurse ask a patient before giving a dose of tramadol?

• Correct
  • “Have you ever had a seizure?”For tramadol, determine whether the patient has a known seizure disorder or other neurological problem. If so, hold the dose, and notify the prescribing healthcare provider.
• • “Do you have high blood pressure?”Clonidine, not tramadol, can cause a drop in blood pressure.
• • “When do you usually eat dinner?”The time of ingesting food has no effect on tramadol.
• • “Have you ever had a heart attack?”A history of a heart attack is not a concern when giving tramadol.

Question 22 of 35

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Which information would the nurse include when explaining the mechanism of action of acetaminophen? Select all that apply. One, some, or all responses may be correct.

• Correct
  • “It acts in the brain.”Acetaminophen is a common drug used for pain relief and acts only in the brain.
• Correct
  • “It reduces the perception of pain.”Acetaminophen reduces the production of prostaglandins. When the amount of prostaglandins in the brain is reduced, the perception of pain is reduced.
• • “It has anti-inflammatory effects.”Acetaminophen does not have any anti-inflammatory effects.
• Correct
  • “It reduces the production of prostaglandins.”Acetaminophen reduces the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that cause inflammation in other body areas. When the amount of prostaglandins is reduced, the perception of pain is reduced.
• • “It acts at the site of injury that is causing the pain.”Acetaminophen acts only in the brain and does not act at the site of an injury.

Question 23 of 35

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For which reason is acetaminophen used instead of aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain control?

• • It doesn’t affect thermoregulation.Acetaminophen is often used for infants and children to reduce fever.
• Correct
  • It does not increase the risk of bleeding.Acetaminophen is often used in place of aspirin or other NSAIDs for pain because acetaminophen does not increase the risk of bleeding.
• • It is most effective when given intravenously.Acetaminophen can be given orally or rectally. There is an intravenous form of acetaminophen; however, it is not more effective when given through the intravenous route.
• • It can be obtained over the counter when mixed with an opioid.When acetaminophen is combined with an opioid, a prescription is required.

Question 24 of 35

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Which prescription for acetaminophen would the nurse question before giving it to a patient?

• • Acetaminophen 325 mg by mouth every 4 hoursThe amount of acetaminophen should not exceed 3 grams per day. Providing 325 mg of the drug every 4 hours would be a total of 1.95 grams per day and would be safe to provide to the patient.
• • Acetaminophen 325 mg by mouth every 6 hoursThe amount of acetaminophen should not exceed 3 grams per day. Providing 325 mg of the drug every 6 hours would be a total of 1.3 grams per day and would be safe to provide to the patient.
• Correct
  • Acetaminophen 650 mg by mouth every 3 hoursThe amount of acetaminophen should not exceed 3 grams per day. Providing 650 mg of the drug every 3 hours would be a total of 5.2 grams of the drug, and the prescription should be questioned.
• • Acetaminophen 650 mg by mouth every 6 hoursThe amount of acetaminophen should not exceed 3 grams per day. Providing 650 mg of the drug every 6 hours would be a total of 2.6 grams per day and would be safe to provide to the patient.

Question 25 of 35

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Which information would the nurse include when teaching a patient about the administration of acetaminophen? Select all that apply. One, some, or all responses may be correct.

• Correct
  • The most common side effects are nausea and skin rash.Side effects of acetaminophen are rare; however, the most common side effects are nausea and skin rash.
• Correct
  • Do not give an infant or a child an adult dose of acetaminophen.An infant or a young child should never receive an adult dose of acetaminophen because it can cause severe liver toxicity. Parents should be instructed to read the label on liquid acetaminophen bottles for infants and small children very carefully to ensure the correct dose for the child’s size.
• • Acetaminophen has no harmful effects and can be obtained without a prescription.Although acetaminophen is available without a prescription, it can have serious adverse effects. When taken at higher doses or for prolonged periods, acetaminophen is toxic to the liver, resulting in liver damage. The potential for liver toxicity is why there is a maximum total daily dose for this drug.
• Correct
  • Do not ingest alcohol on any days when acetaminophen is used, as it can cause liver damage.To prevent liver damage, alcohol should not be ingested on days when acetaminophen is taken or if any drug that contains acetaminophen is taken.
• Correct
  • Acetaminophen should not exceed the maximum daily dose because it can cause liver damage.Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if more than 3 grams per day is taken.

Question 26 of 35

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Which drug is a corticosteroid that is used for pain control?

• • OxaprozinOxaprozin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, not a corticosteroid.
• • Salicylic acidSalicylic acid is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, not a corticosteroid.
• • IndomethacinIndomethacin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, not a corticosteroid.
• Correct
  • MethylprednisoloneCorticosteroids are drugs with powerful anti-inflammatory actions that are chemically similar to the glucocorticoid hormones secreted by the adrenal glands. Methylprednisolone is an example of a corticosteroid.

Question 27 of 35

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Which is a potential side effect or adverse effect associated with salicylic acid? Select all that apply. One, some, or all responses may be correct.

• • StrokeStroke is an adverse effect of stronger non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Salicylic acid is used to reduce the risk of some strokes.
• Correct
  • AsthmaAsthma is an adverse effect of salicylic acid.
• Correct
  • BleedingThe most common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) in use today is salicylic acid, which is available over the counter. A side effect of aspirin is increased risk of bleeding. Aspirin affects blood clotting longer than other NSAIDs.
• • Heart attackA heart attack is an adverse effect of stronger non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Salicylic acid is used to reduce the risk of heart attacks.
• Correct
  • Allergic reactionAn allergic reaction is an adverse effect of salicylic acid.

Question 28 of 35

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Which response would the nurse provide when a mother asks if aspirin can be used to treat her toddler’s fever?

• Correct
  • “Do not give your child aspirin.”Aspirin should never be given to infants or children because of its association with development of a very serious health problem known as Reye syndrome. This disorder often leads to mental deficits, coma, or death.
• • “Give your child a pediatric dose of aspirin.”There is no safe pediatric dose of aspirin.
• • “Give your child half of an adult dose of aspirin.”There is no safe pediatric dose of aspirin. Giving the child half of an adult dose of aspirin could cause Reye syndrome.
• • “Your pharmacist will tell you how much aspirin you can give your child.”There is no safe pediatric dose of aspirin. The pharmacist does not need to be consulted.

Question 29 of 35

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Which response would the nurse make when asked to explain the mechanism of action of a skeletal muscle relaxant?

• • “It acts in the brain to reduce the production of prostaglandins that cause inflammation in body areas.”Acetaminophen, not skeletal muscle relaxants, acts only in the brain to reduce the production of prostaglandins, chemicals that can cause inflammation in other body areas.
• Correct
  • “It depresses the central nervous system to slow signals in motor nerves and reduce muscle spasms and muscle pain.”A skeletal muscle relaxant is a drug that reduces muscle spasm by depressing the central nervous system. This action slows signal transmission along motor nerves, resulting in fewer muscle spasms and less muscle pain.
• • “It is chemically similar to the glucocorticoid hormones secreted by the adrenal glands to inhibit the symptoms of inflammation.”Corticosteroids, not skeletal muscle relaxants, are drugs with powerful anti-inflammatory actions that are chemically similar to those of the glucocorticoid hormones secreted by the adrenal glands. These drugs greatly inhibit the production of mediators that result in the actions and symptoms of inflammation.
• • “It is an antihypertensive drug that works for pain management by binding to alpha-adrenergic receptors in the spinal cord and blocking their activity.”Clonidine, not skeletal muscle relaxants, is an antihypertensive drug that, when given through an epidural infusion, reduces pain.

Question 30 of 35

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For which reason would a patient be prescribed a skeletal muscle relaxant? Select all that apply. One, some, or all responses may be correct.

• Correct
  • PainA skeletal muscle relaxant is a drug that reduces muscle spasm by depressing the central nervous system. It is used to control pain when excessive skeletal muscle contractions or spasms contribute to this problem in adults.
• Correct
  • InsomniaA skeletal muscle relaxant is a drug that reduces muscle spasm by depressing the central nervous system. It is used for insomnia when excessive skeletal muscle contractions or spasms contribute to this problem in adults.
• • Seizure disorderSkeletal muscle relaxants should not be given to anyone who has a seizure disorder because these drugs lower the seizure threshold.
• • Allergic reactionsSerious adverse effects of methocarbamol, a commonly prescribed skeletal muscle relaxant, include a high risk of allergic reactions.
• • Cardiac dysrhythmiasSerious adverse effects of cyclobenzaprine, a commonly prescribed skeletal muscle relaxant, include cardiac dysrhythmias and prolonged cardiac conduction.

Question 31 of 35

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Which drug would the nurse question giving to a patient who has been prescribed cyclobenzaprine?

• • KetorolacKetorolac is a strong nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug; however, it is not contraindicated for use with cyclobenzaprine.
• • NaproxenNaproxen is a mild nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug; however, it is not contraindicated for use with a cyclobenzaprine.
• • Salicylic acidSalicylic acid is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is not contraindicated for use with cyclobenzaprine.
• Correct
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAO-I)Cyclobenzaprine should not be given to a patient who takes an MAO-I drug (which is usually used for psychiatric disorders) because of the risk of severe high blood pressure and high fever.

Question 32 of 35

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Which patient statement indicates that additional teaching about a skeletal muscle relaxant is needed?

• • “I will not drive while taking this drug.”Because skeletal muscle relaxants cause sedation, the patient should be instructed to avoid driving while under the influence of this drug.
• • “I will take this drug for only 2 to 3 weeks.”Skeletal muscle relaxants are usually prescribed only for 2 to 3 weeks because of the potential for abuse.
• • “I will not chew or crush the extended-release capsule.”The patient would be instructed not to chew or crush an extended-release capsule because it will cause rapid absorption of excess drug.
• Correct
  • “I can have limited alcohol beverages while taking this drug.”The patient should be instructed to avoid alcohol because the sedation effect of this drug is potentiated by alcohol.

Question 33 of 35

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For which type of pain would a patient be prescribed an antidepressant for pain control?

• • AcuteAn antidepressant is not used to treat acute pain.
• • VisceralAn antidepressant is not used to treat visceral pain.
• • ContinuousAn antidepressant is not used to treat continuous pain.
• Correct
  • NeuropathicAntidepressant drugs that improve a long-term sense of sadness can also reduce some types of chronic pain, especially neuropathic pain, which results from injury to the nervous system and causes tingling and burning sensations.

Question 34 of 35

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Which information would the nurse provide to a patient who is prescribed an antidepressant for pain management?

• • “It works by directly affecting the area injured.”Antidepressants work for pain management by increasing the amount of natural opioids (endorphins and enkephalins) in the brain and by reducing the depression that often occurs with chronic pain. They do not directly affect the injured area.
• • “It works by depressing the central nervous system.”A skeletal muscle relaxant, not an antidepressant, depresses the central nervous system by slowing signal transmission along motor nerves, resulting in fewer muscle spasms and less muscle pain.
• Correct
  • “It might take 1 to 2 weeks before pain relief occurs.”Patients usually must take an antidepressant for 1 to 2 weeks before they feel any relief from pain.
• • “It works by reducing the rate of pain signal transmission along sensory nerves to affect pain perception.”Anticonvulsants, not an antidepressant, reduce the rate of pain signal transmission along sensory nerves and may also affect pain perception.

Question 35 of 35

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Which drug is an anticonvulsant used to reduce neuropathic pain?

• • SertralineSertraline is an antidepressant used to treat neuropathic pain.
• Correct
  • GabapentinGabapentin is an anticonvulsant drug that is used to reduce neuropathic pain.
• • NortriptylineNortriptyline is an antidepressant used to treat neuropathic pain.
• • AmitriptylineAmitriptyline is an antidepressant used to treat neuropathic pain.