This video is the first half of a two-part video discussing common opioids given after surgery a nurse perspective.
The first portion of the video is focused on addressing the Opioid Crisis in the United States, citing current data addressing opioid addiction after surgery and the number of continued escalating opioid related deaths annually. I share insight on my personal exposure to the crisis and beginning steps to acknowledging the change that needs to occur in how we manage postoperative surgical pain. I review data on opioid sparing success for pain management and how the ERAS protocols can help decrease opioid consumption after surgery.

We review the opioid protein receptors in the nervous system. The Mu, MOR, Kappa, KOR and Delta, DOR protein opioid receptors.

The latter half of the video I discuss Fentanyl, it’s lethality, addictive properties and multiple synthetic derivatives in clinical and street use.

Make sure you watch the second video on opioids after surgery where I will discuss, dilaudid, demerol, morphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone and narcan.

PACU Nursing Minutes is your premier perianesthesia nursing education resource channel. Here you will find applicable information focused on registered nursing care in the post anesthesia care unit, PACU, directed towards recovery post-surgery. PACU Nursing Minutes will review evidence-based practice, that can be applied today!

The short videos are intended to guide you towards further research and education as you become an expert in perianesthesia nursing practice. Are you thinking of getting your CPAN®, Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse, well, tune in here as we discuss many of the core topics covered on the CPAN® certification test? On the PACU Nursing Minutes channel I’ll share with you specific and essential education on providing pre- and post-operative, perianesthesia nursing care.

Are you a nurse working in the ER, ICU, or step-down and considering a new chapter in your nursing career? Well, PACU Nursing Minutes is your channel to brush up on basic concepts of perianesthesia nursing, surgery, anesthesia, and common nursing intervention in the post-operative, PACU department and more!

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Cathy Zuniga, BSN, RN, CPAN
[email protected]
Educating, Equipping and Empowering Nurses!

Creator and founder of PACU Nursing Minutes
Member of ASPAN, PNANA
Nurse of 21 years, I’m passionate about sharing knowledge & supporting the next generation of nurses!