CHAPTER 15 Pain Management^553
- Detoxification.
- Benefit of avoidance of high-risk behaviors.
- Recovery process is a long-term commitment.
- Strategies for coping.
- Prevention strategies.
Crucial Diagnostic Test
Urine Toxicology Screening
This test detects the presence of drugs in the urine. Urine screening is preferred
to blood screening because urine samples contain the substance for several days
after its use, whereas blood levels diminish after several hours. Hair and nail sam-
ples may also be required for certain tests. The test is done to detect commonly
used drugs, such as alcohol, anabolic steroids, amphetamines, barbiturates, benzo-
diazepines, cannabinoids, cocaine, methamphetamines, opiates, phencyclidine,
propoxyphene.
Before the test—Obtain informed consent if the specimen is needed for medical/
legal purposes. Urine specimen collection must be monitored to ensure the speci-
men has not been altered in any way. Be aware of which prescription medications
the patient is taking as some may alter the test results.
Quiz
- You are caring for a patient who borrowed pain medication from a friend at
a beauty salon. She seems to be experiencing side effects of the medication.
Your most appropriate response would be:
(a) Stop the medication and call the friend’s practitioner.
(b) Continue the medication if pain relief is adequate.
(c) Instruct the patient as to the proper use of the medication.
(d) Take the medication with milk.