QUESTIONS

1. Define analgesia.
2. Why are analgesic drugs often administered as part of a patient's premedication?
3. There are 2 main analgesic drug groups; state them, giving 2 common examples of each that are used in veterinary practice.
4. Most narcotic analgesics are schedule 2 controlled drugs; which regulations control their purchase and use?
5. In addition to pethidine and morphine, list 3 other narcotic analgesics.
6. Why are narcotic analgesics unpredictable?
7. What adverse effects may arise in a patient stimulated by the administration of a narcotic analgesic?
8. What serious side effect is unavoidably linked with analgesia, and particularly narcotic drugs?
9. Why is pethidine preferred in cases of moderate pain over morphine?
10. List 3 conditions in which the administration of morphine would be contraindicated.
11. List 5 conditions in which the use of opioids may be indicated.
12. Define a partial agonist and give an example.
13. For what reasons are narcotic antagonists used?
14. Give 2 examples of narcotic antagonists.
15. Neuroleptanalgesia provides a combination of deep sedation and analgesia by a synergistic combination of a neurolept and a narcotic analgesic; what is the purpose of the neurolept?
16. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) should not be used in cases of acute pain; when might their administration be indicated?
17. Why is accurate dosage extremely important when administering NSAIDS?
18. Which anaesthetic gas has analgesic properties?
19. Which volatile anaesthetic has analgesic properties; and when is its use contraindicated?
20. The alpha agonists possess good analgesic properties; give 2 examples.
21. What is meant by sequential analgesia?
22. Why are post-operative analgesics ideally administered before recovery begins?
23. List behavioural signs that may indicate that an animal is in pain.
24. List clinical signs that may indicate that an animal is in pain.
25. In addition to the administration of analgesic drugs, describe some further ways in which a patient may be made more comfortable.