Introduction Show
Aim Definition of Terms Pharmacology Assessment Management Special circumstances Companion documents Links Evidence Table IntroductionOpioid analgesia is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. An opioid is a medication that relieves pain by binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system spinal cord and peripheral nervous system. This guideline does not cover opioid delivery via patient controlled analgesia (PCA) delivery. Aim To provide medical and nursing staff at the Royal Children’s Hospital with a clear outline for assessment and management of a patient receiving opioids as an inpatient, including administration and adverse events associated with administration. Definition of Terms
PharmacologyThere are three main types of opioid receptors, these receptors have multiple actions:
Delta (d) receptors are involved with modulation of mu receptors. Primarily responsible for spinal analgesia Opioids are metabolised in the liver and excreted via the kidneys. Morphine is the most commonly used opioid of choice, and has two main metabolites M3G and M6G. M3G (morphine -3 glucuronide) has no analgesic action, but can cause neurotoxic effects such as tremor and myoclonus. M6G (morphine – 6 – glucuronide) is a powerful analgesic. Table 1: Side effects of opioids Neurological
Cardiovascular
Gastrointestinal/Renal
Musculoskeletal
Table 2: List of opioid medications
AssessmentRegular observations (Table 3) of patients are indicated during the time a patient receives an opioid infusion to monitor the efficacy of pain management. Pain assessment and measurement as per the clinical nursing guideline, and to recognise and prevent adverse effects such as sedation and respiratory depression. More frequent observations should be undertaken in patients receiving an administration of an opioid bolus Note that observations for patients on long term opioids can be altered to reflect their tolerance and need for less interruption. This decision can be made by the treating team or CPMS and documented for the required observations Pain AssessmentPatients receiving opioid infusions in the high risk category (Table 5) are ideally admitted to a room that supports line of sight by nursing staff (e.g. close to the central desk in each pod). Patients in Table 5 require continuous pulse oximetry for the duration of their opioid infusion due to their high risk of an adverse event. Effectiveness of the analgesia and any bolus administration should be recorded in the patient clinical observation and progress notes.
Table 4: Observations required for documentation for a patient following administration of a bolus
Table 5: Patients considered at high risk of an adverse event
Table 6: Criteria for post-operative monitoring in intensive care
Who are undergoing a surgical procedure and are likely to require an opioid infusion or oral opioid in the post-operative period, are at high risk for apnoea and deterioration on the wards. This can occur because of the combination of anaesthesia, opioid analgesia, pain and diaphragm splinting, fluid overload, and late identification of under-ventilation. These infants should be monitored in PICU for the first 24 hours, then when stable returned to the ward. Monitor these infants with oximetry, respiratory rate monitoring, no oxygen unless hypoxaemia, and monitor analgesia requirements and fluid balance. ManagementOpioid infusion preparationA continuous opioid infusion can provide continuous analgesia without the peaks and troughs of intermittent bolus only administration
Opioid infusion administration
Adverse EffectsPatient
receiving an opioid infusion may be at risk of adverse effects including pruritus, urinary retention, over sedation and respiratory depression. The treatment of intolerable opioid side effects is the opioid antagonist naloxone. The half-life of Naloxone is 30-60 minutes, therefore if a patient is given Naloxone for sedation or respiratory depression they must be monitored for 4 hours. Naloxone is available in the ward impress drug cupboard and on the ward resuscitation trolley. Table
8: Naloxone doses for side effects
Figure 1: Response to over sedation or respiratory depression events
CPMS Review
Ceasing an opioid infusion
Special CircumstancesConcurrent medications
Palliative care goals of care are different and should be discussed with VPPCPButterfly
Rosella
ED
Companion Documents
Links
Evidence TableEvidence table for the Management of the paediatric patient receiving opioids nursing guideline. Please remember to read the disclaimer. The development of this nursing guideline was coordinated by Sueann Penrose, CNC, Children's Pain Management Service, approved by the Nursing Clinical Effectiveness Committee. Published October 2022. |