Final answer:
The patient in the ER who has run out of oxycodone should be assessed by an RN, who should then determine the appropriate action. Opioids are powerful pain relievers but carry risks and must be used cautiously and under medical supervision to prevent misuse and addiction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The situation described pertains to a patient in the emergency room who has run out of her prescribed oxycodone medication and is experiencing significant pain and anxiety. The correct response by a registered nurse (RN) knowledgeable about pain management and ethical principles would ideally be to first assess the patient's pain and then consider the appropriate course of action, whether that is administering medication, contacting a primary care provider, or suggesting alternative pain relief methods. However, it's important to understand the broader context of opioid use and the risks associated with these medications.
Prescription opioids like oxycodone can be highly effective in managing moderate to severe pain but come with significant risks, including the potential for addiction and overdose. The escalation of opioid prescriptions in the 1990s contributed to widespread misuse and addiction, even among patients who initially used the drugs as prescribed. Consequently, health professionals must balance the need for pain relief with the imperative to minimize risks of addiction and misuse.
In this case, an RN's approach should involve a thorough assessment of the patient's pain, a review of their medical and medication history, and coordination with the prescribing physician or the on-call healthcare provider. If treatment with opioids is deemed necessary, it should be conducted under strict medical supervision, with considerations for dosage, potential for abuse, and strategies for managing pain without escalating reliance on opioids.