Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosis and treatment ( 6 Questions)
A nurse is teaching a group of clients who are receiving methadone therapy for opioid dependence. Which of the following statements by one of the clients indicates an understanding of the teaching?
This is incorrect as methadone does not eliminate cravings for opioids, but it reduces them by preventing withdrawal symptoms.
This is incorrect as methadone does not produce euphoria or sedation like opioids do, but it maintains a steady state of opioid tolerance and dependence.
This is incorrect as methadone prevents withdrawal symptoms by providing a long-acting opioid substitute. However, methadone itself can cause dependence and withdrawal if discontinued abruptly, so it should be tapered off gradually under medical supervision.
Rationale: Methadone is an opioid agonist that blocks the effects of opioids by occupying their receptors and preventing them from binding. This reduces the risk of overdose and relapse by eliminating the reward or pleasure of using opioids.
Correct answer: d) "Methadone will block the effects of opioids if I relapse."
Rationale: Methadone is an opioid agonist that blocks the effects of opioids by occupying their receptors and preventing them from binding. This reduces the risk of overdose and relapse by eliminating the reward or pleasure of using opioids.
Incorrect choices:
a) "Methadone will help me stop craving opioids.": This is incorrect as methadone does not eliminate cravings for opioids, but it reduces them by preventing withdrawal symptoms.
b) "Methadone will make me feel euphoric like opioids do.": This is incorrect as methadone does not produce euphoria or sedation like opioids do, but it maintains a steady state of opioid tolerance and dependence.
c) "Methadone will cause me to have withdrawal symptoms when I stop taking it.": This is incorrect as methadone prevents withdrawal symptoms by providing a long-acting opioid substitute. However, methadone itself can cause dependence and withdrawal if discontinued abruptly, so it should be tapered off gradually under medical supervision.