Medical Assistant Prep / Unit 5 MAS 119 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
Pain Relievers
The idea
Pain relievers fall into two broad groups: non-opioid analgesics and opioid analgesics.
In practice
The first group, non-opioids, includes acetaminophen, sold as Tylenol, which eases pain and fever, and the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, sold as Advil, which also reduce inflammation. The second group, opioids, includes morphine and oxycodone, sold as OxyContin, used for moderate to severe pain. Opioids act on the central nervous system and depress it, which is why they cause drowsiness and slowed breathing. They are also controlled substances, with storage and record-keeping rules covered in unit twenty-nine.
Where people slip
Over-the-counter pain relievers are still medications. Ask about them by name when you take a medication history, because patients often leave them out, and some, such as aspirin, affect bleeding and interact with other drugs.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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