Pain management comes with its own inherent legal and ethical risks. As an advanced practice nurse, you must understand these risks and the guidelines designed to ensure a safe legal and ethical medication administration practice while protecting both patient and prescriber.
This week focuses on the pharmaceutical treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders and pain management.
Review the Javier Fuentes Case Study.
Javier Fuentes Case Study
Javier, a 41-year-old Hispanic male, visits the community walk-in clinic for an ER follow-up. He was seen yesterday in the emergency room for a right ankle fracture involving both the tibia and fibula, which occurred yesterday morning while playing soccer.
He was discharged from the emergency room after being placed in a cast and provided with crutches and instructions to ensure he remains non-weight bearing until follow-up.
Ibuprofen and acetaminophen were recommended for pain. He has a follow-up appointment with orthopedics in 3 days.
Javier reports minimal pain relief despite ibuprofen, acetaminophen, rest, ice, and elevation.
His current pain level is reported at a 9 out of 10, and you note the patient to be uncomfortable and grimacing in pain.
It has been decided to treat Javier’s pain with an opioid analgesic.
Assessment Deliverable
In a 700- to 1,050-word paper, address the following:
Access your state’s opioid guidelines and the CDC’s Clinical Practice Guidelines for Prescribing Opioids for Pain. What are the ethical and legal concerns to consider when prescribing an opioid for acute, short-term pain management? (USE COLORADO)
Using these same guidelines, consider if the legal and ethical concerns change when prescribing an opioid for the management of long-term, chronic pain? If so, how?
Based on the guidelines reviewed, what opioid would you recommend for treating Javier’s pain and why?
What resources are available to help ensure safe prescribing for this patient? Are there any database checks required by your state to help you identify potential issues with drug diversion?
What patient education would you need to provide to Javier regarding the opioid prescription?
Cite a minimum of 4 scholarly resources to support your answers.
Format your paper according to APA guidelines.
