A nurse is assessing a pediatric patient's eligibility for opioid pain management.
The nurse is aware that opioids are indicated for:

Choice A rationale:

Acetaminophen is indicated for mild to moderate pain and fever.

Acetaminophen is an analgesic and antipyretic medication commonly used to relieve mild to moderate pain and reduce fever.

It is suitable for various pediatric conditions, making it a valid choice for pain management in children.

Choice B rationale:

NSAIDs are contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to NSAIDs, active bleeding, and renal impairment.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) can cause adverse effects, including gastrointestinal bleeding, and should be avoided in patients with active bleeding.

Additionally, patients with known hypersensitivity to NSAIDs or renal impairment are at an increased risk of experiencing side effects when taking these medications, making choice B accurate.

Choice C rationale:

Opioids work by increasing blood flow to the affected area.

This statement is incorrect.

Opioids work by binding to opioid receptors, altering the perception and response to painful stimuli.

They do not increase blood flow to the affected area.

Opioids are central nervous system depressants that act on the brain and spinal cord to modify the perception of pain.

Choice D rationale:

The dosage of Acetaminophen and NSAIDs is based on age.

This statement is partially accurate.

While age can be a factor in determining the appropriate dosage of these medications in pediatric patients, it is not the sole determinant.

Weight and specific patient characteristics may also play a role in dosing decisions.

Choice E rationale:

Opioids work by binding to opioid receptors, altering perception and response to painful stimuli.

This statement is accurate.

Opioids are a class of medications that act on specific receptors in the central nervous system, altering the perception of pain and the body's response to painful stimuli.

They do not increase blood flow to the affected area but instead modulate pain at the neurological level.

Choice A rationale:

The client's statement, "Warm compresses will help increase blood flow and relax my muscles," indicates a correct understanding of heat therapy.

Heat therapy can indeed increase blood flow to the area and help relax muscles.

When heat is applied to the body, it causes blood vessels to dilate, which increases the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the affected area, promoting muscle relaxation.

This can be particularly beneficial for managing muscle pain and stiffness.

Choice B rationale:

The statement, "Cold therapy numbs the area and promotes muscle contraction," is incorrect.

Cold therapy, such as the application of ice packs, is used to reduce inflammation, numb the area, and decrease muscle contraction.

It is not intended to promote muscle contraction; rather, it temporarily reduces muscle activity, making it helpful for acute injuries or pain.

Choice C rationale:

The statement, "Heat therapy reduces inflammation and cools down the painful area," is incorrect.

Heat therapy does not cool down the painful area; it increases the temperature in the area where it's applied.

It is used to alleviate pain and muscle tension, not to reduce inflammation.

Cold therapy is typically used for reducing inflammation.

Choice D rationale:

The statement, "Applying ice packs will immediately relieve acute pain," is partially correct.

Ice packs can help relieve acute pain by numbing the area and reducing inflammation.

However, it may not provide immediate relief, and the effectiveness can vary depending on the type and cause of the pain.