Pharmacological interventions are a cornerstone of pain management. Nurses administer various classes of pain medications, including:
- Analgesics: Such as acetaminophen and NSAIDs, which are often used for mild to moderate pain. - Opioids: Such as morphine and oxycodone, used for severe pain but monitored closely due to potential for addiction. - Adjuvant Medications: These include antidepressants and anticonvulsants that can help manage certain types of pain, such as neuropathic pain.