0
Mood swings, irritability, rudeness, and behavior changes are very common with most opiate patients, and for those who aren't trained, educated, or prepared for this side effect, it can cause the wrong impression. Another example is a Diabetic who is hypoglycemic, showing symptoms that can be mistaken for being drunk by those who aren't educated in the effects of the disease and low blood sugar levels.
Extreme chronic pain causes enough mental stress, though over time many patients' pain tolerance levels get much higher. Having said that, everyone has their breaking point, and no matter how strong you are mentally, you can't keep it up forever, even when using a strong and effective pain drug like Fentanyl.
The biggest problem is that it is unfortunately very common for caregivers, friends and family of the patient, as well as the patient, to not know or understand this key side effect, and that lack of understanding leads to unfortunate reactions and results for all concerned. Early on when I entered formal Pain Management and became a long-term opiate patient (13 years, 10 on Duragesic and many other high dose opiates), I educated my family on what to expect from the drugs I was using. Knowing that it's the medicine and not me has made it easier for them to deal with the periods of changes over the years, though of course difficult. Fortunately my wife is a VERY patient woman, as well as my daughter.
The main thing to remember is that it's normally not the patient's fault (unless the person is just a jerk by nature), and the combination of the side effects, pain, and frustration of the moment all combine to have a bad effect on the person's overall attitude. Knowing and understanding this, and being able to deal with it effectively (don't antagonize the person or brush them off, recognize the problem for what it is), goes a long way toward helping someone whose life already sucks. Though it's a quality-of-life decision, we all still feel like slaves, since there are strict regulations governing Duragesic usage and prescriptions. Add in the pain and normal problems associated with using opiates, and most patients' attitudes aren't that great to begin with.
The constant pain level for those of us who are Duragesic users can't really be put into words, but the best way I can describe mine (and my pain tolerance is extremely high) is that it feels like having a broken bone every waking minute of my life, and the pain won't go away no matter what I do. Think about a period in your life in which you've experienced the worst pain in your life, double it, then consider how edgy you'd be in a similar situation. Scientific? Hardly. But over the years I've experienced the best and worst in Pain Management and the medical profession (having been nearly killed once and having the bulk of my pain caused by 2 bad spinal operations) and the sad fact is that very few people understand the effects that Fentanyl and other opiates has on regular users.
Do Duragesic patients feel like they're better than other non-opiate patients? Of course not. But understanding the unique nature and effects of the treatment requires a bit more flexibility for those who are trying to help, and is much appreciated by the patient.
What else can I help you with?
Can you use Fentanyl while pregnant?
Ask your doctor
Can a patient be arrested while admitted under a 302?
Neither your status as a "patient," nor as any other description, protects you from the law and/or arrest.
Can you get pregnant while wearing Fentanyl patches?
As far as concerns with Fentanyl transfer to a female during conception, it's a non-issue. The only real concerns are for nursing mothers using Fentanyl themselves, since Fentanyl is excreted in breast milk. No congenital defects have ever been reported by women who were using Fentanyl during pregnancy.
Can you take Adderall with Fentanyl patches?
No. This can cause a potentially lethal overdose. Venlafaxine is a cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitor which is the enzyme which metabolizes fentanyl. Levels of fentanyl can reach lethal doses as a result of this combination.
Is the Fentanyl stronger than Percocet?
Yes, fentanyl is significantly stronger than Percocet. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is estimated to be 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, while Percocet contains a combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen, which is less potent than fentanyl. Due to its strength, fentanyl carries a higher risk of overdose and is typically used in more severe pain management scenarios.
What would you do when you found the patient ring or denture under the pillow while you were changing the bed linens?
If I found a patient’s ring or denture under the pillow while changing the bed linens, I would first ensure that the item is clean and undamaged. Next, I would document the discovery in the patient's records and report it to the appropriate staff member, such as a nurse or the patient's family, to ensure it is returned to the patient. Finally, I would handle the item with care and store it securely until it can be given back to the patient.
How much of ocycontin is compaired to fetinyl?
OxyContin (oxycodone) and fentanyl are both powerful opioid medications, but they differ significantly in potency. Fentanyl is estimated to be about 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, while OxyContin is about 1.5 times more potent than morphine. In practical terms, this means that a very small amount of fentanyl can provide the same analgesic effect as a much larger dose of OxyContin. However, the exact comparison can vary based on individual patient factors and specific formulations used.
Can a nursing assistant monitor vital signs in a conscious sedation patient under the supervision of an RN?
It depends on your facility's regulations. Some places require that an RN monitor a patient's vitals while under sedation because of the risk of complications. Most nurses will do their patient's vitals after they return from surgery to make sure the patient is stable.
Is morphine in fentanyl?
No, Percocet is not oxymorphone. Oxymorphone is a combination of oxycodone and morphine. Percocet is just oxycodone, except for 5's and 10's they also have acetaminophen in them.
Does fentanyl have aspirin in it?
No, fentanyl does not contain aspirin. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid used primarily for pain management, while aspirin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to reduce pain, fever, and inflammation. They are distinct substances with different chemical compositions and medical uses.
What would you do when you found the patient's ring or dentures under the pillow while you were changing the bed linen?
If I found a patient's ring or dentures under the pillow while changing the bed linen, I would first ensure that the items are clean and undamaged. Then, I would document the discovery in the patient's records and notify the appropriate staff, such as the nurse or charge nurse, to ensure the items are returned to the patient safely. It's important to maintain patient privacy and follow facility protocols for lost personal items.
Do you swallow during surgery?
No. While under anesthesia, you ( the patient) are intubated ( which means there is a tube down your throat to facilitate breathing for the unconscious patient ), and any saliva produced is suctioned away to prevent complications when the patient is being extubated.
