Final answer:
The NC Medical Board advises following comprehensive guidelines when treating patients with chronic opioid therapy to carefully manage risks such as addiction and overdose, and to address side effects appropriately.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the NC Medical Board, an essential guideline for patient treatment with chronic opioid therapy is to follow comprehensive guidelines for patient treatment. These guidelines typically emphasize the importance of careful patient monitoring, the use of risk assessment tools, and the consideration of alternative therapies where appropriate. The use of opioids should be carefully managed to avoid the risk of addiction and overdose, and it is imperative to recognize and address side effects of prescription opioids, which can include issues such as physical and psychological dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and the potential for misuse.
It is clear that avoiding opioids altogether is neither practical nor compassionate for those in chronic pain, and ignoring potential side effects would be negligent. Instead, frequent adjustments to opioid dosages should be made with caution and based on individual patient needs, in an attempt to strike a balance between managing pain and minimizing the risk of harm.