Learning Objectives
By the end of this module you will be able to:
- Practice using the opioid equianalgesic table to convert from one opioid or opioid formulation to another.
- List at least 3 factors that are important to consider for opioid safety when treating pain in a medically complex patient
- Use an opioid risk mitigation tool (the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program or PDMP) in the inpatient setting
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 covers Mrs. Nancy Wright:
- 65 year old woman
- chronic back pain
- anxiety
- hypertension
- type 2 diabetes
- stage 3 chronic kidney disease
Mrs. Wright has been admitted to the hospital for repair of a broken ankle.
You, the learner, will assist the orthopedic and pain teams with her care. An anesthesiologist and attending, Dr. Alethia Sellers will serve as the voice of reason for decisions proposed by various team members. Team members include Leesa Mers, the anesthesia nurse, Dr. Hannah Hashimi, the orthopedic surgery resident, Andrew Nesmith, the medical student, Dr. Gloria McWhorter, the anesthesia resident, and Dr. Alethia Sellers, the friendly anesthesia pain attending. Opioid practice conversions are introduced in which the learner uses the equianalgesic opioid dosing chart to determine the correct answers to opioid conversion problems. Each opioid conversion problem has an accompanying explanation.
