Pain Management Nursing CE Course for RNs/LPNs Part 3: Opioid Administration and Monitoring

erience when taking short-acting opioids. Therefore, it allows time for detoxification (Hudspeth, 2016). Codeine is a relatively weak opioid agonist, most commonly used to treat mild to moderate pain or cough. It can be administered alone or in combination with acetaminophen (Tylenol-Codeine #3), or as part of cough and cold formulas. Adverse reactions to opioid agonists include respiratory depression, drowsiness, mental confusion, nausea/vomiting, dizziness, headache, fatigue, pruritus, pinpoint pupils, urinary retention, and constipation. Since these drugs can induce euphoria, especially when taken in higher doses than prescribed or ingested via snorting or injection, they are at high risk for abuse and addiction. Long-term use of these medications infers a risk of drug tolerance and hyperalgesia, which is increased sensitivity to pain caused by damage to nociceptors or peripheral nerves (US Food & Drug Administration [FDA], 2018a). 

Partial Agonists

Partial agonists are opioids that have a submaximal response between receptor binding and response. They cause less conformational change and receptor activation than full agonists. At low doses, they provide similar effects to full agonists, but when the doses are increased, the analgesic activity plateaus. In other words, they have a ceiling effect. The continued increase in dosing of these medications often leads to increased adverse effects without providing additional pain relief. Examples of partial agonists include tramadol (Ultram) and buprenorphine (Suboxone). Tramadol (Ultra) is a synthetic analog of codeine with a low affinity for opioid receptors and is commonly used to treat moderate to severe pain. It has a dual mechanism of action and poses less abuse potential than other opioids. It is available in IR or ER oral formulations, with the ER used more commonly for chronic pain. Adverse effects include dizziness, vertigo, nausea, constipation, and headache (Berger et al., 2013). Buprenorphine (Suboxone) is used in MAT to treat opioid use disorders. It has unique pharmacological properties that help to reduce the potential for misuse and diminish the effects of physical dependency to opioids including withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Similar to opioids, it can generate effects such as euphoria and respiratory depression when administered at low to moderate doses, however these effects are weaker than with other opioid agonists. Therefore, buprenorphine (Suboxone) increases patient safety in the event of overdose. It was first approved for use by the FDA in 2002, when used in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat opioid dependency. There are a few types of buprenorphine approved for use by the FDA, which include buprenorphine/naloxone (Bunavail) buccal film and buprenorphine/naloxone (Zubolv) sublingual tablets. The advantage of buprenorphine (Suboxone) over methadone (Dolophine) treatment is that it does not require the close monitoring in the highly structured environment of methadone (Dolophine) based clinics. It can be prescribed by specially trained/educated physicians and advanced practice providers in an office setting, as it is considered safe and effective when taken as prescribed. With regards to dosing, it is long-acting agent and therefore does not require daily dosing for many patients. The opioid effects of buprenorphine (Suboxone) increases with each dose until it levels off with moderate doses; even if further dosing increases. This "ceiling effect" helps to lower the risk for misuse, dependency, and side effects. Some of the most common side effects of buprenorphine (Suboxone) include nausea, vomiting, constipation, muscle cramps, inability to sleep, cravings, distress, irritability, and fever. Clinicians who prescribe these medications must undergo specialized training and certification, due to the strict guidelines for dosing, administration, and monitoring to enhance patient safety. For more information, please refer to the following government run and regulated website: https://www.SAMHSA.gov (SAMHSA, 2018a).

Mixed Agonist-Antagonists 

An agonist-antagonist refers to an opioid with mixed actions. These drugs produce different activities at different receptors, acting on one opioid receptor to create a response, and binding to another receptor to prevent a response. Medications in this class demonstrate varying activity depending on the receptor that is targeted and the dose. Some examples of agonist-antagonists include pentazocine/naloxone (Talwin) and butorphanol (Stadol). Pentazocine/naloxone (Talwin) is used to treat moderate to severe pain and it includes two medications. It acts by binding to and activating specific opioid receptors while simultaneously blocking the activity of other opioid receptors. The naloxone component of the medication helps to prevent misuse of the medication. Pentazocine (Talwin) is not available in the US as a single agent, and instead is only available in the combination form with naloxone. Butorphanol (Stadol) is a mixed opioid agonist-antagonist available as a spray for the treatment of migraine headaches. Similar to partial agonists, agonist-antagonist opioids have a ceiling effect. Therefore, they offer lower analgesic efficacy and heightened risk for psychotomimetic or psychotogenic effects, or symptoms of psychosis, such as hallucinations and delirium (Berger et al., 2013). 

Opioid Antagonists

Opioid antagonists compete with opioids at opioid receptor sites and are drugs used to reverse the acute adverse effects, primarily respiratory depression, caused by opioids. Naloxone (Narcan) is the most widely used opioid antagonist, as it is FDA-approved for the use of an opioid overdose. It is highly effective in reversing an opioid overdose and respiratory depression and is dispensed in intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), subcutaneous (SC), and intranasal (IN) formulations. When administered intravenously, effects begin almost instantly and last for about an hour. Still, the dose should be titrated to achieve the reversal of respiratory depression without full reversal of the analgesic effects. Rapid infusion of the medication should be avoided to reduce the risk of hypertension, tachycardia, nausea, and vomiting. Vital signs should be monitored, especially respirations, and naloxone administration repeated until the manifestations of opioid toxicity have subsided (Theriot et al., 2019). With IM and SC administration, the drug takes effect in two to five minutes and lasts for several hours. These administration routes are most commonly used by emergency medical services (EMS) personnel and civilians responding to opioid overdose in the community. According to the National Emergency Medical Services Information System, the rate of EMS naloxone administration events increased 75.1%, from 573.6 to 1,004.4 administrations per 100,000 EMS events from 2012-2016, which corresponds well with 79.7% increase in opioid overdose mortality during those same years (Cash et al., 2018). Many EMS personnel are moving toward intranasal administration which is viewed as providing important advantages over injection when responding to overdose patients in the community. The safety profile of intranasal formulations appears to be no different from the injection formulation in the treatment of opioid overdose. Krieter and colleagues (2016) found that 2-8 mg of intranasal naloxone resulted in plasma concentrations and areas under the curve greater than those observed following 0.4 mg intramuscular dose, and the time to reach maximum plasma concentrations was similar (Krieter et al., 2016).

Naloxone (Narcan) has become increasingly available to the public, as it has become a central part of the public health response to the opioid overdose epidemic. In addition, the majority of states now allow naloxone to be purchased from a pharmacy without a prescription. Naloxone (Narcan) may be prescribed for patients who are at high risk for intentional or accidental overdose, such as those with a family history of substance abuse, living in rural or remote areas, and those concurrently taking benzodiazepines (Webster, 2017).

Serious adverse effects of naloxone (Narcan) are rare, and usually, the benefit of using it for an overdose outweighs the risk for adverse effects. However, it can induce acute opioid withdrawal symptoms such as tachycardia, agitation, vomiting, body aches, and convulsions. Naloxone has no reversal effect on tramadol (Ultram), alcohol, or other CNS depressants such as benzodiazepines (The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2018). Naltrexone (Vivitrol, Revia) is an opioid antagonist that is used to treat substance use disorders, namely alcohol and opioids. It is also used to treat postoperative respiratory depression due to opioids during the operative period. When used for opioid addiction, its purpose is to prevent euphoria and the desire to use opioids long term. The patient should be opioid-free for 7 to 10 days before beginning the medication to prevent opioid withdrawal syndrome. It is available as a long-acting injection and is not recommended to reverse an opioid overdose (Theriot et al., 2019).

Opioid Routes of Administration 

Opioids can be administered orally, intravenously, intramuscularly, transdermally, and subcutaneously, and they are supplied in short-acting and long-acting preparations. Regardless of the route of administration, education regarding the adverse effects as well as risks and benefits is vital in terms of understanding clinical indications and patient outcomes. The oral route for administration of analgesics is generally preferred for patients whenever possible due to ease of administration, cost-efficacy, and monitoring. However, the duration of action for the majority of IR or short-acting oral opioids is only about four hours. ER formulations can usually provide pain control for eight to twelve hours or more. Intranasal analgesic administration is advantageous because the medication is rapidly absorbed. Topical analgesics are applied directly to the skin and are absorbed by vascular uptake. This route may be used to reduce pain during a painful procedure, such as a lumbar puncture. Lidocaine (Lidocaine viscous) is available as a gel or cream and is commonly used for dental procedures or other superficially invasive procedures such as skin biopsies due to its rapid onset. As highlighted earlier, lidocaine (Lidoderm) is also available as a topical patch to be applied to intact skin. The transdermal route for the administration of analgesics may also be used to treat chronic pain. Long-acting medication that is absorbed through the skin can provide pain control for several hours to days. Transdermal fentanyl (Duragesic) is indicated for patients who have severe pain and are opioid-tolerant (Berger et al., 2013).

The transmucosal route for the administration of analgesics is frequently used for hospice patients experiencing breakthrough pain. The oral mucosa is highly vascular, providing rapid absorption. The rectal route for administration of analgesics can also be used when rapid pain control is desired; the mucous membranes of the rectum are highly vascular, causing quick absorption of the medication. This route is helpful for unconscious patients, those who have difficulty swallowing, or are experiencing nausea and vomiting. When epidural analgesia is used, an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist inserts a catheter into the epidural space along the spine. An analgesic such as morphine (Roxanol, MS Contin) or fentanyl (Duragesic) is infused through the catheter. The patient should be monitored closely for respiratory depression, excessive sedation, hypotension, bradycardia, and urinary retention. The use of other opioids or CNS depressants should be avoided during the use of epidural analgesia. The healthcare team should closely monitor the patient and be prepared to administer naloxone for symptoms of respiratory depression or excessive sedation (Berger et al., 2013).

Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA)

PCA is a medication delivery system that allows patients to selfadminister safe doses of opioids and is almost exclusively used in acute inpatient hospital and inpatient hospice settings. Some of the fundamental principles regarding the use of a PCA are represented in the bullet points below.

• A PCA provides small, frequent dosing to ensure consistent plasma levels;
• Patients have less lag time between an identified need and the delivery of medication, which increases their sense of control and can decrease the amount of medication needed;
• Morphine (Roxanol, MS Contin), hydromorphone (Dilaudid), and fentanyl (Duragesic) are typical opioids for PCA delivery;
• Patients should be encouraged to let their nurse and healthcare team know if using the PCA pump does not adequately control the pain;
• It is widely recommended that caregivers and family members are educated on the potential for inadvertent overdosing when the PCA button is pressed by anyone other than the patient, also called PCA by proxy;
• Clear institutional criteria regarding which patients should receive PCA and careful patient assessment throughout PCA use is essential to ensure patient safety (Berger et al., 2013).

Opioid Assessment

There are several tools available for assessing opioid risk before a patient starts opioid therapy. The most common tools used include:

• Opioid Risk Tool (ORT)
• Screener and Opioid Assessment for Patients with Pain-Revised (SOAPP-R)
• Screening Instrument for Substance Abuse Potential (SISAP)
• Diagnosis, Intractability, Risk, and Efficacy Score (DIRE) (Cheattle, 2019).

The ORT, SOAPP-R, and SISAP are self-administered tools that can be completed by the patient. The ORT and SISAP are five-item questionnaires used to predict the risk for opioid misuse. The SOAPP-R is a 24-item instrument constructed to predict the development of problematic drug-related behaviors (PDRB). The DIRE is an instrument administered by a clinician and predicts the efficacy of analgesia and adherence with long-term opioid therapy (Cheattle, 2019).

Stepwise Approach to Opioid Use

Best practice guidelines recommend that reasonable non-opioid treatments such as NSAIDs or acetaminophen (Tylenol) should be trialed and failed before opioids are initiated (Qaseem et al., 2017). If opioids are prescribed for acute pain, CDC (2016) prescribing guidelines advise limiting the initial prescription to between three and seven days. Moderate pain can often be managed with weaker opioids such as codeine (Tylenol #3) or tramadol (Ultram). Treatment for severe pain should start with a stronger oral opioid such as hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (Roxicodone), morphine sulfate (Roxanol, MS Contin), or hydromorphone (Dilaudid). Fentanyl (Duragesic) and methadone (Dolophine) should be avoided as first-line options due to their dosing challenges (lipid-soluble, high potency, long half-life). IR medications with a half-life of two to four hours should be started initially with opioid-naive patients until the dose is stabilized. Dose adjustments may be necessary as often as every two to three days. ER or long-acting (LA) formulas with a half-life of 8-12 hours in the same family are commonly added later if long-term use is required (Pain Assessment and Management Initiative [PAMI], 2019).

According to the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (2017), the pharmacological treatment of chronic pain (excluding cancer patients and end-of-life care) treatment, like acute pain, should always start with nonopioid treatment options as above (Manchikanti et al., 2017). When initiating opioid therapy for the management of pain severe enough to require daily, around-the-clock, long-term opioid treatment, it is highly recommended that the lowest effective dose possible is given. Treatment typically begins with an IR opioid and includes a LA/ER later if indicated (Federation of State Medical Boards [FSMB], 2017). Every opioid works a little differently; therefore, each must be titrated to meet the needs of the patient while ensuring toxicity and harm from adverse effects are minimized (Manchikanti et al., 2017).

According to the CDC’s Guidelines for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain (2016), the risk of overdose is increased by at least twice in patients taking 50 MME/day or more, as compared to patients taking less than 20 MME/day. 50 MME is about 50 mg of hydrocodone or 33 mg of oxycodone per day. MME calculators are available to use with dosage changes and for transitions between different medications to establish equivalent dosages. Several dose calculators are available free of charge online, including on the CDC website and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services website. However, these calculators have their limitations and complicated exceptions (Fudin et al., 2018). A follow-up appointment within one to four weeks of starting opioids or dose increases is recommended to assess benefits and any harms, and once stable, follow-ups should occur every three months (CDC, 2016). Assessing the patient’s pain level, functional abilities, and quality of life will indicate whether or not the current treatment plan is performing successfully at each of these visits (FSMB, 2017).

Complications of Opioid Use

There are several adverse effects associated with opioid use, which vary in degrees of severity based on the dose and potency of the medication, route of administration, and if the medication is self-administered or administered by a nurse or other caregiver. Patients on opioid therapy should be monitored for any of the following adverse effects:

• Sedation, respiratory depression, and coma can occur as a result of an opioid overdose. Since sedation always precedes respiratory depression, the patient's level of consciousness should be monitored closely so proper safety precautions can be promptly taken. To reduce the risk of overdose when administering opioids, the following actions are recommended: 
  • Identify highrisk patients (older adult patients, those who are opioidnaive);
  • Assessment should focus on the patient's respiratory rate, depth, and regularity before and following administration of opioids (especially for patients who have minimal prior exposure to opioid medications);
  • Initial treatment of respiratory depression and sedation is generally a reduction in the opioid dose. Carefully titrate patient dose while closely monitoring respiratory status; contact the provider if symptoms do not improve;
  • If necessary, slowly administer diluted naloxone (Narcan) to reverse opioid effects until the patient can deep breathe with a respiratory rate of at least 8/min;
  • Alternatively, stop the opioid and give the antagonist naloxone if respiratory rate is below 8/min and shallow, or the patient is difficult to arouse;
  • Use a sedation scale in addition to a pain rating scale to assess pain, especially when administering opioids.
• Orthostatic hypotension: advise patients to sit or lie down if lightheadedness or dizziness occurs. Instruct patients to avoid sudden changes in position by slowly moving from a lying to a sitting or standing position.
• Urinary retention: monitor intake and output; assess for bladder distention, administer bethanechol (Urecholine) to relieve retention, and try noninvasive actions before catheterizing.
• Nausea/vomiting: administer antiemetics, advise patients to lie still and move slowly, and eliminate odors.
• Constipation: a preventative approach should be taken for all patients’ prescribed opioid therapy, including monitoring of bowel movements, increasing fluids and fiber intake, encouraging exercise, providing stool softeners and stimulant laxatives, and administering enemas, if clinically indicated.
• Opioid toxicity and overdose: manifestations of opioid toxicity are respiratory depression, coma and pinpoint pupils (also referred to as the opioid triad) (Berger et al., 2013; Fine et al., 2015).

Opioid Use in the Older Adult

Special considerations should be applied when opioids are used for populations at potentially higher risk for harm, such as older adults (over 65), those with renal or hepatic insufficiency, and those who are pregnant. Advancing age is often accompanied by physiological changes that affect the absorption, metabolism, and excretion of medications. Older adults may be at increased risk for falls and fractures related to opioids, and nurses should assess the patient’s falls-risk when potentially sedating medications such as tricyclic antidepressants, antiepileptic drugs, or opioids are being given (CDC, 2016). It is also advised to initiate a bowel program to prevent constipation (CDC, 2016). In the most recent version of the American Geriatric Society BC, they state that opioids should be avoided in older adults with a history of falls or fractures (Terrery & Nicoteri, 2016).

Opioid Use During Pregnancy

While opioid use in pregnancy is not well studied, use can be associated with risks to both the mother and the fetus (CDC, 2016). In 2014, the FDA removed the older system of ranking medications for pregnant women (Category A, B, C, D, and X), and now requires detailed specific information about pregnancy safety (including during labor and delivery), safety while breastfeeding, and safety for females and males of reproductive potential (FDA, 2018a). Some studies have shown an association of opioid use in pregnancy with congenital disabilities, including neural tube defects, congenital heart defects, preterm delivery, poor fetal growth, stillbirth, and potential for neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (CDC, 2016). Opioids are excreted in breastmilk and increase the risk for CNS and respiratory depression in the infant if taken by the mother while breastfeeding. These risks can be minimized by using the lowest effective dose to achieve pain control. The patient should be well informed of all of the potential risks before issuing any opioid or controlled substance prescriptions. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be used during pregnancy and while breastfeeding relatively safely. NSAIDs should be avoided in pregnant patients, especially during the first trimester and after 30 weeks' gestation, due to the risk of bleeding and risk of premature ductal closure. NSAIDs appear safe to use during breastfeeding, however (FDA, 2018a).

Cancer Patients and Pain Management at the End-of-Life

The treatment of cancer pain is extremely complex, and the patient's disease prognosis, concurrent medications, and individual goals of care should be carefully considered for all decision-making (Hudspeth, 2016). The treatment of pain within the specialty care of terminally ill patients does not typically conform to the aforementioned standard regulations. Within the care of these patients, there is less concern for misuse, abuse, or addiction, and more focus can be placed on effective pain relief (CDC, 2016). Concerns within these populations continue to be overdose, respiratory depression, and potential loss of consciousness or hastening of end-of-life. According to the National Consensus Project (NCP, 2018) Clinical Practice Guidelines for Quality Palliative Care, medications should be increased gradually and only as tolerated, with the full consent of the patient or their proxy medical decision-maker/guardian or via an intact living will or advance directive. The patient and/or caregivers should be fully informed of the potential risks of increased opioid doses. If the patient and family prioritize pain relief over the length of life, that decision should be accepted and respected by the entire care team. It is generally accepted that clinicians should never withhold needed pain medication from terminally ill patients for fear of hastening death if they have received informed consent from the patient to do so. Loss of consciousness should not always be assumed to be directly caused by high doses of opioid painkillers in the dying patient if those doses have been stable or slowly increasing over time, especially in chronic cancer pain (NCP, 2018). 

Opioid Abuse and Misuse

Drug overdose is a leading cause of accidental death in the US, with opioids being the most common drug. Increased prescription of opioid medications for the management of pain over the last two decades has led to the widespread misuse of both prescription and non-prescription opioids, igniting the nationwide public health emergency known as the Opioid Epidemic (Schiller et al., 2019). According to the CDC (2019a), more than 702,000 people died from an opioid overdose between 1999 and 2017. Data acquired from the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health conducted by SAMHSA (2018b) disclosed that more than 11.4 million people misused prescription opioids, and 2.1 million had an opioid use disorder. The most commonly abused medications were hydrocodone products, and 62.6% of users reported misuse as a means to manage physical pain, whereas 13.2% reported misuse to 'feel good' or 'get high.' In terms of how the medication was acquired, greater than 53% reported obtaining it through a relative or friend, whereas 34.6% had a valid prescription written by a licensed prescriber. The number of people who misused prescription pain relievers for the first time in 2017 averaged 5,500 initiates per day (SAMHSA, 2018b). Currently, an estimated 130 people die each day from an opioid overdose, and these numbers continue to rise (CDC, 2019b).

Contributing and Risk Factors for Potential Misuse/Abuse 

The progressive rise in prescription drug misuse/abuse across the US is a byproduct of the complex interplay of many contributing factors. However, the CDC (2019a) cites the increased prescribing of opioid analgesics as the most preeminent contributing factor for the significant increase in drug availability, and in turn, misuse/abuse potential. According to the USDHHS (2019), additional societal and environmental factors include aggressive marketing by the pharmaceutical industry, the explosion of illegal web-based pharmacies that disseminate these medications without proper prescriptions and surveillance, as well as greater social acceptability for medicating a growing number of conditions. 

Personal risk factors for potential drug misuse/abuse include untreated psychiatric disorders, younger age, past or current substance abuse (including alcohol and tobacco use), family history of drug abuse, as well as family or societal environments that encourage these behaviors (Webster, 2017). While prescription drug abuse can happen at any age, data reveals it more commonly begins in teens or young adults. However, in contrast, opioid mortality prevalence is higher in those who are middle-aged with comorbid substance abuse and psychiatric conditions (SAMHSA, 2018b). Prescription drug abuse in older adults is a growing problem, especially when combined with alcohol. Having multiple health problems and taking multiple drugs can put the older adult population at risk of misusing drugs or becoming addicted to opioids. Also, a lack of knowledge about prescription drugs and their potential harm heightens the risk within this population (NIDA, 2018b). 

Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)

OUD is defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as a problematic pattern of opioid use that leads to clinically significant and severe impairment or distress. OUD may be classified as mild, moderate, or severe, and is characterized by two or more of the following symptoms within a 12-month period:

• Loss of control 
  • Opioids taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than intended;
  • Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control opioid use;
  • Excess time spent in activities to obtain the opioid, use the opioid, or recover from its effects.
  • Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use opioids.
• Social consequences 
  • Continued use despite negative consequences, such as failure at work, school, or home;
  • Continued use despite persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of opioids;
  • Important social, occupational, or recreational activities that are given up or reduced because of opioid use.
• Risky use 
  • Recurrent use in dangerous and physically hazardous situations.
• Physical or psychological problems 
  • Continued opioid use despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the substance;
  • Exhibits symptoms of tolerance and/or withdrawal (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013).

The Safe and Effective Use of Opioids

Opioids, as well as all other types of controlled substances, are classified according to categories or "schedules," based on the perceived risk of addiction as outlined by the DEA. There are several responsibilities to providing safe, effective care for the patient who is receiving an opioid medication. State laws, regulations, and policies further delineate responsibilities surrounding the administration and dispensing of controlled substances. In 2017, the US Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS, 2017) increased grant funding toward the development of novel strategies to impede this growing and deadly problem. These efforts have brought a new level of urgency to the matter, with heightened surveillance, restriction, and monitoring of patients on long-term opioid therapy. It is imperative for all healthcare professionals to remain vigilant in screening for the signs and symptoms of misuse and abuse (Schiller et al., 2019). 

As part of the national movement to mitigate the opioid epidemic, the vast majority of states (49 states, Washington DC, and Guam) have now established statewide electronic databases or prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) to track and monitor opioid prescriptions. A PDMP is a statewide electronic database which collects designated data on controlled substances dispensed to, or for, each patient. The intent is to improve opioid prescribing, inform clinical practice, and protect patients at high risk. PDMPs are housed and operated by state regulatory, administrative, or law enforcement agencies. The housing agency disseminates information from the database to individuals who are authorized under state law to receive the information for purposes identified by state law. States arrange individual systems to track and monitor prescriptions, but the details about use, access, which drugs are included, and the regulations and implications for users vary greatly from state to state. The key to the efficacy of PDMP systems is to check the system before initiating opioid therapy. Reviewing the patient's history of controlled substance prescriptions using the PDMP database helps to determine whether the patient is already receiving opioids or potentially dangerous combinations that place them at risk for overdose. Reporting systems help reduce the diversion of illegitimate opiate prescriptions (CDC, 2017).

Once opioid therapy is initiated, nurses should assist in assessing and monitoring for potential signs of opioid misuse throughout treatment. There are several risk assessment instruments available to assist with the ongoing monitoring process. Some of the most commonly used tools include the following:

• Prescription Drug Use Questionnaire-Patient (PDUQ-P);
• Pain Medication Questionnaire (PMQ);
• Current Opioid Misuse Measure (COMM);
• Addiction Behavior Checklist (ABC);

The PDUQ-P, PMQ, and COMM are patient-administered tools, whereas the ABC is a clinician-completed questionnaire (Cheattle, 2019). 

In addition to the use of monitoring instruments, other risk mitigation strategies include having patients return for more frequent monitoring intervals and performing random pill counts. Some states, such as Tennessee, require that providers continually monitor the patient for signs of abuse, misuse, or diversion by performing unannounced urine drug testing (UDT), at least twice per year. Also, the CDC (2016) recommends that UDT be completed before starting a patient on opioid therapy and at least once annually to assess for prescribed medications as well as other controlled prescription drugs and illicit drugs. 

Patient-Provider Agreements and Opioid Contracts 

Some states have laws mandating the use of patient-provider agreements (PPA) or opioid contracts. PPAs are written agreements between prescribers and patients outlining and clarifying the conditions for prescribing opioids over the long term, and they can help formulize safer approaches to opioid prescribing. The contract underscores the critical importance of the proper use of prescribed pain medications, along with outlining the standards of care and the expectations of treatment. They promote collaboration and mutual commitment from both parties, sets realistic expectations with measurable goals for therapy, and also states reasons for which the agreement may be terminated. These contracts should address the potential adverse effects, possible overdose, respiratory depression, development of physical dependence or tolerance, drug interactions, inadvertent ingestion by children or others, and drug misuse or abuse by the patient, as well as household contacts or friends. Furthermore, office policies should be clearly defined, including the number and frequency of refills, policy on early refills, and procedures for lost, damaged, or stolen medications. If UDTs or pill counts are to be performed periodically, this should be included in the agreement, as well as how medication refills and changes should be requested and obtained by the patient and handled by the office staff and providers. While not all state laws require the use of a PPA, they are highly recommended, and there are various sample documents and resources available for clinicians to use (CDC, 2017). 

Documentation

Documentation is critical when caring for patients who are on controlled substances, both for safety and legal reasons. Documentation in the medical record should be clear, concise, and include all details outlining dose adjustments or medication changes with associated justifications and equivalency calculations, the effectiveness of treatments based on consistent pain and other assessments repeated at each visit, as well as any reported adverse effects and related therapies. Documentation should also specify if the patient is adhering to treatment plans as outlined in the PPA and include results of any UDTs or pill counts. Any concerning or aberrant behavior should be carefully documented with as much detail as possible. Interviews with family members and caregivers can also be included in documentation records for those same reasons with a clear plan for resolution and/or future monitoring (PAMI, 2019). Any letters sent to patients should be included in the patient's medical record, and any phone calls made or received should be carefully documented by office staff. Every time PDMP reports are reviewed, this should be documented along with any concerning findings. A decision to terminate care needs to be documented thoroughly (Hudspeth, 2016).

Termination of Chronic Opioid Therapy

As with the treatment of any medical condition, the goal is to restore health and resume pre-illness activities of daily living; the same is true for termination of chronic opioid therapy. Termination is an intentional process that occurs when a patient has achieved most of the goals of treatment, and/or when therapy must end for other reasons. According to the FSMB (2017), continuation, modification, or termination of opioid therapy for pain is contingent on "the clinician's evaluation of (1) evidence of the patient's progress toward treatment objectives and (2) the absence of substantial risks or adverse events, such as signs of substance use disorder and/or diversion" (FSMB, 2017, p.11).

The most common reasons for termination of long-term opioid therapy include the achievement of goals of therapy, treatment policy nonadherence, follow-up nonadherence, or concern for misuse/abuse or diversion (McDonald, 2015). Other reasons include resolution of the underlying condition, intolerable adverse effects, inadequate analgesic effects, and a lack of improvement in the patient’s quality of life (FSMB, 2017). Appropriate termination helps to avoid the betrayal of trust and abuse of power, prevents harm, and conveys caring. The PPA plays a critical role in this process, and therefore termination must be addressed comprehensively in the initial contractual agreement and updated accordingly. Termination always carries the risk of exposing the patient to severe pain and sending the wrong message to the patient (McDonald, 2015). A carefully structured taper should be given to anyone who is potentially physically dependent on their opioid to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Otherwise, a referral to an addiction specialist may be required for those on very high doses of opioids. The nurse should reassure the patient that this change does not indicate the end of their treatment, which will proceed with other modalities or through another provider if necessary (FSMB, 2017).

Strategies for termination of chronic opioid therapy include the following:

• Establish open, honest communication and dialogue with the patient from the point of the initial consultation;
• Comprehensively address termination in the informed consent and PPA process and readdress or refer back to as necessary during the duration of therapy;
• Set realistic, time-sensitive goals at the beginning of treatment;
• Balance clinical judgment and individualization
  • Incidents or events that cause concern regarding a pain agreement need to be interpreted within the context of the whole patient;
• Opioid taper: Tapering should be performed after discussion with the patient. There is no “one way” to taper a patient, yet generally, the longer the patient has been on opioids, the longer it will take for a successful taper;
• Avoid terminating the relationship when a patient is in crisis without referral to a specialized facility and a warm handoff to the receiving provider. If a patient is terminated while in crisis, it might reasonably be considered abandonment and escalate abhorrent behaviors;
•  As part of the termination preparation process, the patient should be given information about other available resources (community resources, support groups, nonpharmacological pain modalities), and document that resources have been provided (McDonald, 2015).

The Nurse’s Role in Ensuring Adequate Pain Management

The nurse should take a proactive approach by assessing and reassessing patients for pain frequently. Ensuring analgesics are given before pain becomes too severe promotes adequate pain control. For hospitalized patients, the nurse should instruct patients to report developing or recurrent pain early and not wait until the pain is severe to ask for their as-needed pain medications. It takes less medication to prevent pain than to treat pain. This may also include advocating for the patient that is experiencing pain if the orders currently available to the patient are inadequate or not alleviating the patient’s pain. The nurse should explain misconceptions and myths about pain to reduce the patient’s fear and anxiety regarding pain medication. This education can help promote acceptance and compliance by patients who are reluctant to take opioids due to concerns related to addiction. For patients with chronic and uncontrolled pain, analgesics can be administered around the clock rather than as needed using an LA or ER opioid analgesic (including the transdermal route) (CDC, 2016).

Providing adequate pain management without promoting OUD is a challenge for health care providers. Concerns about OUD should not be minimized. To address the current epidemic of opioid use disorder in the U.S., the FDA and the CDC have developed action plans to reduce the impact of this public health crisis. The FDA's (2018b) opioid action plan includes:

• Expanding advisory committees to study new opioids that do not have abuse properties;
• Establish a more extensive framework for pediatric opioid medication labeling;
• Create additional labeling for ER/LA opioids to include more warnings and safety information;
• Charge pharmaceutical companies with the task of performing more post-market research on the long-term impact of using ER/LA opioids;
• Increase training to providers on pain management and safe prescribing of opioids;
• Encourage pharmaceutical companies to develop generic abuse-deterrent products for pain;
• Expand over-the-counter access to intranasal naloxone (FDA, 2018b).

The CDC published Guidelines for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain in 2016, which includes guidance for initiating or continuing opioid use for a patient who is experiencing chronic pain. The guidelines pose twelve key Category A recommendations which can be accessed on the CDC’s website by anyone.

Anxiolytics

Anxiolytics, or antianxiety medications, are commonly prescribed to treat the anxiety that accompanies acute pain or anxiety resulting from fluctuations in chronic pain. Most anxiolytics are classified as CNS depressants; they function by inhibiting the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA and thereby producing a drowsy or calming effect. Benzodiazepines are one of the most common classes of anxiolytics used in patients for pain management. These include medications such as lorazepam (Ativan), alprazolam (Xanax), and triazolam (Halcion). This class of drugs are categorized as schedule IV medications and are usually prescribed to treat generalized anxiety, panic attacks, acute stress reactions, muscle spasms (diazepam [Valium]), seizure disorders (clonazepam [Klonopin]), and sleep disorders. In general, these drugs require great caution and monitoring. They are indicated for short-term use only due to the very high risk of tolerance, dependence, and addiction. Concurrent use of benzodiazepines and opioid pain medications requires heightened caution due to the additive risks of interaction between these two classes of controlled substances (National Institute on Drug Abuse [NIDA], 2018a). The 2015 American Geriatric Society Beers Criteria (BC) of potentially inappropriate medication use in older adults publishes medications that should be avoided. They suggest that benzodiazepines should be avoided for insomnia, agitation, or delirium due to fall risk and high rate of physical dependence (Terrery & Nicoteri, 2016). Benzodiazepines should also be avoided in pregnant and breastfeeding patients, as they are known to cross the placenta and are excreted in breastmilk. They have been shown to increase the risk of congenital abnormalities, primarily if used in the first trimester (FDA, 2018a).

For additional information regarding the opioid epidemic and the nurse’s role, refer to the NursingCE.com course entitled, A Nurse's Role in the American Opioid Epidemic (1-credit hour), and Safe and Effective Prescription of Controlled Substances Nursing CE course (1.5-credit hours).

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