The reluctance for the use of opioid analgesia in the client with cancer
Judy Hartikainen
Registered Nurse, Oncology and Palliative Care Ward, Western Hospital, Melbourne VIC
PP: 065 - 069
Abstract
This literature review will discuss the problems associated with pain relief in the client with cancer. It will be shown that the pain clients are experiencing is not being relieved. Three suggestions as to why have been identified. The first suggestion is that people in general believe that opioid use will cause addiction.
This paper discusses why this is a myth and not a factor to be considered when implementing a pain management regime. The second suggestion is that the clients themselves have fears about becoming addicted to opioid analgesics, and therefore might not report an increase in their level of pain. The rationale behind this will be explored. A third suggestion stems from the concerns of the nurses: they also fear that the client will become addicted. Nurses' perspectives on the use of opioids will be explored. Why the nurse should always believe the client's report of pain will be addressed. Another concern for nurses is that they might be the one who administers the drug that results in respiratory depression. Finally, ideas on how this situation can be rectified will be offered.
Keywords
opioid; addiction; myth; pain; cancer; education; respiratory depression
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