Prescription Opioid Medications and Abuse

Course overview

CEU Course Description Opioid abuse is an ongoing epidemic in the United States that can affect patients, caregivers, and healthcare workers. According to the CDC, deaths from opioid overdoses continue to rise. Healthcare workers are also at high risk for opioid diversion due to the accessibility and close proximity to prescription opioids. Nurses must be able to assist their patients who may be affected by opioid abuse while providing effective pain management. In this course, participants will learn about the nursing role in pain management, the history of the opioid epidemic in the United States, signs and symptoms of opioid use disorder and opioid diversion, and different types of pain management. CEU Course Objectives 1. Define the different types of pain medications, including non-opioid and opioid analgesics. 2. Identify signs and symptoms of opioid use disorder and opioid diversion. 3. Analyze the effects of the opioid epidemic on current pain management practices. 4. Identify non-pharmacological interventions to manage pain.