Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking opioid pain medications as follows: Opioid pain medications slow down the bowel movements heavily and leads to constipation. Increase intake of daily fiber can help the situation and promote regular bowel movements. Any signs and symptoms of intestinal obstruction and ileus, such as, intense bloating, constipation, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting must be immediately reported. Any lack of bowel movement in 3 days must be [...]

Patient was educated on contraindications for opioid pain medications use as follows: Opioid pain medications affect the respiratory center in the brain and induce slowing down of respirations. The breathing pattern can become irregular with reduced gas exchange and lead to elevated carbon dioxide and reduced oxygen levels in the body. Overdose of opioid pain medications can also cause respiratory arrest. Opioid pain medications should be avoided or used with extreme caution in individuals with [...]

Patient was educated on contraindications for opioid pain medications use as follows: Opioid pain medications must be avoided or used cautiously in individuals allergic to other opioid analgesics, such as Hydrocodone, Morphine, and Codeine. Opioid pain medications slow down the bowel movements heavily and leads to constipation. Opioid pain medications must be avoided or used with extreme caution in chronically constipated patients, as they are at increased risk for episodes of ileus and intestinal obstruction [...]

Patient was educated on side effects of opioid pain medications use as follows: Respiratory depression Opioid pain medications affect the respiratory center in the brain through action on the opioid receptors in the brain. This induces slowing down of respirations and the breathing pattern can become irregular. This can result in reduced gas exchange with elevated carbon dioxide and reduced oxygen levels in the body. Overdose of opioid pain medications can also cause respiratory arrest. [...]

Patient was educated on side effects of opioid pain medications use as follows: Nausea, vomiting, and dry mouth These are some of the most common side effects of opioid pain medications. Taking opioid pain medications with some food can minimize the effects of nausea and vomiting. Liberal intake of water and sucking on a hard candy can help prevent dry mouth with opioid pain medications use. Constipation Opioid pain medications slow down the bowel movements [...]