Final answer:
A nurse should expect to see various flu-like withdrawal symptoms in a patient experiencing opioid withdrawal, prominently including diarrhea. Methadone may be used to ease these symptoms because of its effectiveness in reducing cravings and withdrawal without significant euphoric effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
When assessing a client who is experiencing opioid withdrawal, a nurse can expect to observe a variety of symptoms. These symptoms often present as the opposite effects of using opioids, given their role in analgesics, cough suppressants, anti-nausea, and anti-diarrhea medications. Therefore, it is not uncommon to see withdrawal symptoms that mimic a severe case of the flu.
Diarrhea is a key manifestation of opioid withdrawal. Other symptoms may include increased sensitivity to pain, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, and general gastrointestinal distress. Physical and psychological elements, such as agitation and cravings, are also typical. To mitigate the unpleasant withdrawal process, medications like methadone or buprenorphine may be utilized.
Given the physiological dependence on opioids that can develop quickly, medical supervision is often necessary during withdrawal. This is to prevent misinterpreting withdrawal pain for the pain that initially led to opioid use and to manage potential complications like dehydration and changes in heart rate or blood pressure.