Final answer:
Methadone (C) is the medication a nurse should expect to administer for a patient undergoing treatment for opioid use disorder, as it is commonly used in opioid treatment programs to manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving treatment for opioid use disorder, the nurse should expect to administer Methadone (C). Methadone is a synthetic opioid used to reduce withdrawal symptoms in individuals addicted to opiates without inducing the high associated with the drug addiction. It's a commonly used medication in opioid treatment programs and is effective because it has a longer duration of action compared to other opioids, which can help manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings.
Naloxone (A) is typically used for emergency treatment of opioid overdose rather than for long-term treatment of opioid use disorder. Lorazepam (B) is a benzodiazepine and not typically used in opioid maintenance therapy because of the risks of concurrent use with opioids. Clonidine (D) may be used to alleviate some withdrawal symptoms but is not the primary treatment for opioid use disorder.
It is important to consider medications like Methadone and other alternatives such as Naltrexone and Buprenorphine based on the patient's specific needs and treatment plan. These medications can be vital components in the comprehensive care of individuals recovering from opioid addiction.