Subcutaneous opioid (Guideline)

Follow the subcutaneous opioid algorithm prior to administering opioid dose

Follow the opioid guidance, ensuring that the controlled drug policies are adhered to. 

• Draw up the prescribed analgesia using a 2mL syringe and a green needle using a universally clean technique with correct hand hygiene. 
• Open the white clamp, remove the luer-lock bung and clean the port with 70% isopropyl alcohol swab. 
• Attach the syringe (do not use a needle) and slowly administer the drug over 40 to 60 seconds.  Do not flush the cannula. 

• Only use the dedicated cannula for the subcutaneous route for a needle-free administration technique.
• Place the cannula in the following areas only:
  • Deltoid area is the area of choice
  • Abdominal area
• Explain the procedure to the patient and use local anaesthetic cream if desired. Using a universal clean technique, insert the cannula at a 45 degree angle through the skin. If it is inserted at a shallower angle, the cannula may lie in the dermis layer, causing increased stinging when the opioids are administered.
• The dead space of the cannula is 0.2mL.  The first dose of analgesia may have to be increased to allow for this dead space.
• Apply a transparent dressing.  This will allow detection of any leakage.  Close the white clamp.  Do not flush the cannula.  Document the time and date on dressing.
• Document the date, time and place of cannula in the nursing notes.  The cannula must be replaced every 72 hours unless there are any signs of swelling, inflammation or infection, in which case it should be re-sited earlier.  Document removal of cannula in the nursing notes.

• Blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, pain score and sedation score must be recorded on the NEWS chart as follows:
  • ½ hour after each administration of opioid.
  • The minimum observation thereafter is 4 hourly, but patient’s condition may require these to be more frequent.

• If the respiratory rate is less than 7 per minute or sedation score is 3
  • Administer 10 litres/minute of oxygen via a face mask
  • Contact the ward doctor and stay with patient.
  • Administer Naloxone intravenously in 100 microgram increments, every minute, until the respiratory rate is above 10 per minute. Max 400mcg then ask for review.
  • The patient needs to be observed every 15 minutes for the next hour and hourly after that, to ensure the respiratory depression has not recurred. If it does, a Naloxone infusion may be needed.
  • Assess for other contributing causes eg hypovolaemia.
  • Reduce subsequent doses of Opioid by half and also assess if the patient’s pain can be managed with regular paracetamol and NSAID alone, or with weaker opioid.
  • Inform the Acute Pain Nurse or ITU anaesthetist of this patient and for further advice.

• Stop the Opioid algorithm when the patient has an established oral route.

NSAIDs and paracetamol help to minimise opioid side-effects by reducing the total dose of opioid required and should be prescribed regularly not when required (PRN). 

Moderate respiratory depression (respiratory rate less then 9 breaths per minute AND sedation score of 1 or 2) 

• Ensure a clear airway and administer Oxygen therapy 10 litres/minute via facemask. 
• Monitor respiratory rate, sedation score and oxygen saturation every 15 minutes until respiratory rate is 10 per minute or more. 
• Review the analgesia and consider other causes of respiratory depression. 
• Contact the Acute Pain Team for further advice. 

Severe respiratory depression (respiratory rate less than 7 breaths per minute OR sedation score of 3.) 

CALL FOR HELP, INITIATE CPR PROCEDURES, IF THE PATIENT IS APNOEIC, CALL 2222 

• Ensure a clear airway and administer Oxygen therapy 10 litres/minute via facemask. 
• Contact the Ward FY1, Surgical Registrar or Nurse Practitioner. 
• Give naloxone 100 micrograms intravenously see  TAM naloxone guidance.  
• Review analgesia, consider and exclude any other causes of respiratory depression - hypovolaemia, anaphylaxis or cardiac problems. 
• Contact the Acute Pain Nurse or Intensive Care Unit (ITU) Anaesthetist to reassess analgesic requirements and whether a Naloxone infusion is required.