Author Question: What is the mechanism of action that differentiates opioid agonists from opioid agonist-antagonists? ... (Read 214 times)

lilldybug07 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

What is the mechanism of action that differentiates opioid agonists from opioid agonist-antagonists?

1. Opioid agonists block two receptors; opioid agonist-antagonists have no effect on any receptors.
2. Opioid agonists activate two receptors; opioid agonist-antagonists occupy only one receptor.
3. Opioid agonists activate one receptor; opioid agonist-antagonists activate both receptors.
4. Opioid agonists block one receptor; opioid agonist-antagonists block both receptors.

Question 2

The client asks the nurse why he is receiving combination therapy of opioid and nonopioid drugs to manage his pain. The nurse should explain which benefit of combination therapy?

1. Combination therapy prevents addiction to the opioid drug.
2. Using combination therapy helps to relieve pain synergistically and decreases the risk of side effects.
3. Combination therapy eliminates the need for follow-up laboratory monitoring.
4. Combination therapy is standard therapy for all pain management clients.

k.lashomb · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: Opioid agonists do not block receptors. Opioid agonist-antagonists do have effects on the receptors, activating one and blocking or having no effect on the other.
Rationale 2: Opioid agonists activate both mu and kappa receptors, and opioid agonist-antagonists occupy only one receptor and block the other.
Rationale 3: Opioid agonists activate two receptors, and opioid agonist-antagonists activate only one receptor.
Rationale 4: Opioid agonists do not block receptors; opioid agonist-antagonists block only one receptor or have no effect on it.
Global Rationale: Opioid agonists activate both mu and kappa receptors, and opioid agonist-antagonists occupy only one receptor and block the other. Opioid agonists do not block receptors. Opioid agonist-antagonists do have effects on the receptors, activating one and blocking or having no effect on the other. Opioid agonists activate two receptors, and opioid agonist-antagonists activate only one receptor. Opioid agonists do not block receptors; opioid agonist-antagonists block only one receptor or have no effect on it.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: Although combination therapy can help avoid drug dependency, it does not prevent it.
Rationale 2: Combination therapy does help to relieve pain synergistically, uses a smaller dose of opioid drugs, and decreases related side effects.
Rationale 3: The client will still require regular follow-up monitoring with nonopioid drugs.
Rationale 4: Combination therapy is not standard therapy for all pain management clients.
Global Rationale: Combination therapy does help to relieve pain synergistically, uses a smaller dose of opioid drugs, and decreases related side effects. Although combination therapy can help avoid drug dependency, it does not prevent it. The client will still require regular follow-up monitoring with nonopioid drugs. Combination therapy is not standard therapy for all pain management clients.