Learning Objectives
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
- List at least 2 common side effects/risks of opioid pain medications, especially with concurrent benzodiazepine use.
- List at least 3 reasons to use the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) to confirm patient's history and home opioid use, and to assist with discharge communication with outpatient pain physician.
- List specific indications for prescription of naloxone nasal spray or injector.
Target Audience
- Medical students in years 1 through 3
- Advanced undergraduate and years 1 and 2 Masters Nursing students
- Dental students in year 3
- Students in year 2 of a doctoral physical therapy program
Case Description
The module follows Mrs. Wright, a 65-year-old woman with a past medical history that includes:
- Chronic low back pain
- Anxiety
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Chronic kidney disease
At home, she takes the following medications (in addition to other medications she takes for her other conditions):
- Opioid pain medications
- Benzodiazepines
In addition, Mrs. Wright recently was hospitalized for surgical repair of an ankle fracture. Her pain was appropriately managed during her stay and she is now ready for discharge.
