Description

Healthcare facilities across the United States are amid the rising epidemic of opioid drug abuse in individuals with chronic pain due to clinicians liberally prescribing opioid analgesics. The misuse of prescription opioids is prevalent in young adults; however, the older adult population, ages 50 to 64, is the fastest growing opioid abusing population today. As the numbers for opioid misuse continue to increase in individuals with chronic pain, resources involving better pain management in healthcare facilities, preventative addiction counseling specific to opioid misuse, and better research must be available for patients, caregivers, and their families to combat this epidemic.

Learning Outcome:
After completing this continuing nursing education activity, the learner will be able to discuss best practices to care for opioid-addicted patients in the medical-surgical setting.

Learning Engagement Activity:
Identify 3 best practices that were employed with the patient and her husband in the case study.

Contact hours available until 4/30/2021.

Requirements for Successful Completion:
Complete the learning activity in its entirety and complete the online CNE evaluation.

Authors Conflict of Interest Disclosure:
The author(s), editor, editorial committee, content reviewers, and education director reported no actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to this continuing nursing education article.

Commercial Support and Sponsorship:
No commercial support or sponsorship declared.

Accreditation Statement:
This educational activity is jointly provided by Anthony J. Jannetti, Inc. (AJJ) and AMSN.

Anthony J. Jannetti, Inc. is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation (ANCC-COA)

Anthony J. Jannetti, Inc. is a provider approved by the California Board of Registered nursing, Provider Number, CEP 5387.

This article was reviewed and formatted for contact hour credit by Michele Boyd, MSN, RN, AMSN Education Director.

Author(s)

• Kiernan Riley, BSN, RN
• Michael M. Evans, PhD, MSEd, RN, ACNS, CMSRN, CNE
• Kelly Worozbyt, MSN, RN-BC
• Kaléi Kowalchik