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 [...]

Patient was educated on how to take opioid pain medications as follows: Take opioid pain medication pill with or without food along with a full 8 oz. glass of water. Taking the medication with food helps prevent any nauseating sensation. Drink 6 to 8 full glasses of water daily, while you are taking opioid pain medications. Liberal intake of water with opioid pain medications helps prevent constipation, which is one of the major side effects [...]

Patient was educated on opioid pain medications and their mechanism of action as follows: Opioid pain medications are derived from opium poppy. Examples of opioid pain medications include, Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, Codeine, Morphine, and many others. Opioid pain medications are usually used to relieve moderate to severe pain. Opioid pain medications bind with the opioid receptors in the brain and block the release of excitatory neurotransmitters, such as, substance P, which are involved with pain production. [...]