Name of the Procedure:

Common Names: Ketorolac Injection
Technical/Medical Terms: Injection, ketorolac tromethamine, per 15 mg (HCPCS J1885)

Summary

Ketorolac tromethamine injection is a procedure where a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is administered intramuscularly or intravenously. It is commonly used to relieve moderate to severe pain in a short-term setting, often after surgery or for acute pain conditions.

Purpose

Ketorolac tromethamine is used to manage moderate to severe acute pain. The goal of the injection is to provide fast-acting pain relief for conditions such as postoperative pain, musculoskeletal injuries, or other acute pain scenarios.

Indications

• Postoperative pain
• Acute musculoskeletal pain
• Pain associated with kidney stones
• Short-term management of moderate to severe pain

Preparation

• Patients may need to fast for a few hours before the procedure.
• Inform the healthcare provider of any current medications, allergic reactions, or medical conditions.
• Blood tests or other diagnostic assessments may be required to check for potential contraindications.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is positioned comfortably, either sitting or lying down.
2. The injection site is cleaned using an antiseptic solution.
3. A needle is used to inject ketorolac tromethamine, either intramuscularly or intravenously.
4. The injection is administered over a few seconds.
5. The site is then monitored for any immediate adverse reactions.

Tools/Equipment: Needle, syringe, antiseptic solution, ketorolac tromethamine medication.

Anesthesia/Sedation: Typically, no anesthesia or sedation is required for this injection.

Duration

The entire procedure typically takes about 5-10 minutes.

Setting

This injection can be administered in various settings:

• Hospital
• Outpatient clinic
• Urgent care center
• Physician’s office

Personnel

• Healthcare provider (physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant)
• Nurse or medical assistant

Risks and Complications

Common Risks:

• Pain at the injection site
• Bruising or swelling

Rare Risks:

• Allergic reactions
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Kidney dysfunction

Possible Complications:

• Monitor for signs of allergic reaction or serious side effects such as difficulty breathing, severe stomach pain, or significant changes in urine output.

Benefits

Ketorolac tromethamine provides fast and effective pain relief, usually within 30 minutes to an hour. It can significantly improve patient comfort in acute pain situations.

Recovery

• Patients are typically monitored for a short while after the injection to ensure no adverse reactions occur.
• Normal activities can often be resumed shortly after.
• Follow-up instructions may include avoiding additional NSAIDs and watching for any side effects.

Alternatives

• Other NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen)
• Opioid analgesics (for more severe pain)
• Non-pharmacological pain management methods (physical therapy, acupuncture)

Pros and Cons:

• Alternative NSAIDs and opioids may offer different profiles of effectiveness and side effects.
• Non-pharmacological methods may be preferable for patients who cannot tolerate medications.

Patient Experience

• During the injection, patients might feel a brief sharp pain or discomfort.
• After the procedure, most patients experience a significant reduction in pain.
• Pain management measures, such as ice packs or over-the-counter pain relievers, can be used if there is soreness at the injection site.