Abstract
Opioid overdose deaths and opioid use disorders are a crisis in the United States and other western countries around the globe. Opioid prescriptions more than doubled after the turn of the century, particularly for postoperative patients. Unfortunately, many who have abused opioids were able to obtain those opioids from friends or family who had held on to prescribed, but unused opioids. One method to manage and decrease the opportunity for unused opioids to become black-market opioids is to educate patients and families regarding the safe use, safe storage, and proper disposal of unused prescription opioids. Perianesthesia nurses, particularly those who educate patients before and after surgery, have an excellent opportunity to educate patients and families who are discharged to home after surgery.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 108-115 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing |
Volume | 36 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 2021 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2020 American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses
Keywords
- ambulatory surgery
- opioid disposal
- opioid stewardship
- opioids
- patient education
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- MedicalSurgical