Sample interview questions: How do you ensure effective pain management in patients with opioid tolerance or addiction histories?
Sample answer:
Strategies for Effective Pain Management in Patients with Opioid Tolerance or Addiction Histories
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Comprehensive Assessment:
- Thoroughly evaluate pain severity, location, and characteristics using validated tools.
- Gather a detailed history of opioid use, including type, dosage, frequency, and duration.
- Assess for signs of opioid misuse or addiction, such as aberrant drug-seeking behavior, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms.
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Tailored Treatment Plan:
- Individualize pain management regimens based on the patient’s tolerance, addiction history, and response to previous treatment.
- Consider using opioids with extended-release formulations to reduce the risk of abuse and diversion.
- Explore non-opioid analgesics, such as acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or adjuvant medications (e.g., gabapentin, pregabalin).
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Gradual Titration:
- Titrate opioid dosages slowly under close monitoring to prevent oversedation or respiratory depression.
- Encourage patients to report pain levels regularly and adjust medication accordingly.
- Avoid prescribing large quantities of opioids at one time to minimize the risk of diversion or overdose.
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Multimodal Approac… Read full answer
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