Managing postoperative pain with opioid-sparing therapies

Abstract

The analgesic properties of opioids make them valuable pharmacologic options for patients with severe post-op pain, but healthcare providers must be cautious due to opioid-related adverse reactions. This article reviews select nonopioid adjuvant and adjunctive medications, as well as select nonpharmacologic therapies, as part of a multimodal approach to postoperative analgesia. The role of nurses in assessing, monitoring, and educating patients is also explored.