NUR2474 Pharmacology Module 8 Quiz Review for Professional Nursing Updated 2022/2023
Tips: There will be a number of negatively worded questions. Please be mindful of that.
Topics review:
1. Physical dependence vs addiction with opiate use
a. Physical Dependence vs Addiction
i. Physical dependence is a state in which an abstinence syndrome will
occur if the dependence-producing drug is abruptly withdrawn.
1. *Physical dependence is NOT the same as addiction
2. Mu activation is related to physical dependence ii.
Addiction is defined by the American Society of Addiction Medicine as
primary, chronic disease characterized by an individual pathologically
pursuing rewards and/or relief by substance use and other behaviors
iii. Physical dependence is NOT required for addiction to occur, but physical
dependence CAN contribute to addictive behavior
1. If an individual has already established a pattern of compulsive
drug use, physical dependence can reinforce that pattern
2. Physical dependence by itself is insufficient to motivate continued
addictive behavior
iv. Development of significant physical dependence is rare when opioids are
used short term to relieve pain
1. Even when physical dependence does occur, patients rarely
develop addictive behavior and continue opioid administration
after their pain has subsided.
2. *There is no justification for withholding opioids from patients in
pain on the basis of concerns about physical dependence.
2. PCA pump patient family education (only patient is to use the pump)
a. Self-administered pump on an “as needed” basis
b. Nobody except patient and nurse should be touching the PCA
c. PCA pump minimizes risk for sedation and respiratory depression
d. Helps to prevent pneumonia and DVTs
3. Antidote for opiates
a. Naloxone IV, IM, SubQ, Nasal spray
i. A 2-hour half life
ii. Cannot be given orally due to rapid first-pass inactivation
iii. Should be given as a series of small doses instead of one large dose
iv. Will not cause harm if given without the presence of an opioid
v. Side effects: Rapid withdrawal symptoms
4. Foley cath use in patients on PCA pump
5. Diphenhydramine vs non-drowsy allergy meds
6. Patient education for diphenhydramine administration
7. Non drowsy anti-allergy meds (memorize names)
8. Acetaminophen antidote
Tips: There will be a number of negatively worded questions. Please be mindful of that.
Topics review:
1. Physical dependence vs addiction with opiate use
a. Physical Dependence vs Addiction
i. Physical dependence is a state in which an abstinence syndrome will
occur if the dependence-producing drug is abruptly withdrawn.
1. *Physical dependence is NOT the same as addiction
2. Mu activation is related to physical dependence ii.
Addiction is defined by the American Society of Addiction Medicine as
primary, chronic disease characterized by an individual pathologically
pursuing rewards and/or relief by substance use and other behaviors
iii. Physical dependence is NOT required for addiction to occur, but physical
dependence CAN contribute to addictive behavior
1. If an individual has already established a pattern of compulsive
drug use, physical dependence can reinforce that pattern
2. Physical dependence by itself is insufficient to motivate continued
addictive behavior
iv. Development of significant physical dependence is rare when opioids are
used short term to relieve pain
1. Even when physical dependence does occur, patients rarely
develop addictive behavior and continue opioid administration
after their pain has subsided.
2. *There is no justification for withholding opioids from patients in
pain on the basis of concerns about physical dependence.
2. PCA pump patient family education (only patient is to use the pump)
a. Self-administered pump on an “as needed” basis
b. Nobody except patient and nurse should be touching the PCA
c. PCA pump minimizes risk for sedation and respiratory depression
d. Helps to prevent pneumonia and DVTs
3. Antidote for opiates
a. Naloxone IV, IM, SubQ, Nasal spray
i. A 2-hour half life
ii. Cannot be given orally due to rapid first-pass inactivation
iii. Should be given as a series of small doses instead of one large dose
iv. Will not cause harm if given without the presence of an opioid
v. Side effects: Rapid withdrawal symptoms
4. Foley cath use in patients on PCA pump
5. Diphenhydramine vs non-drowsy allergy meds
6. Patient education for diphenhydramine administration
7. Non drowsy anti-allergy meds (memorize names)
8. Acetaminophen antidote
