Choosing painkillers

Article Abstract:

Changes in medical practice in the early 1990s mean that nurses now play a larger part in the selection of appropriate analgesic drugs for pain relief. Nurses have proved that they are able to give pain prevention advice as well as to monitor pain, mainly due to the initiatives within the hospice movement. Administration of analgesics in hospitals is often left to the nurse's discretion, while, in some hospitals, the nurse is responsible for selecting the appropriate dosage of a selection of preparations. Consequently, nurses must now be able to show a complete understanding and knowledge of the drugs they give.

Practice, Nurses

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Reducing hypertension

Article Abstract:

Antihypertensive drugs have led to a 40% cut in the incidence of strokes, but have had little impact on coronary events, and have been shown to have only limited value for people with mild hypertension. Alternative methods of counteracting hypertension include reducing salt intake, increasing potassium intake, losing weight, cutting down on smoking and alcohol and increasing exercise. Such treatments will also have the advantage of improving the patient's quality of life. The main types of antihypertensive drugs are discussed.

Care and treatment, Hypertension

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Drugs for severe pain

Article Abstract:

Opioid analgesics may be used in several ways and are particularly important in terminal care acting similarly to morphine. Other opioids include diamorphine, naloxone, buprenorphine and pentazocine, and their effects are directly linked to how they are administered. The way in which these drugs work, side effects and contra-indications are discussed.

Management, Drugs, Cover Story

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