Which of the following is an appropriate term to use when talking to a person who is receiving a prescription for an opioid?
A. Painkiller
B. Substance abuse
C. Drug overdose crisis
D. Addict



Answer :

ktreyb

Answer:

Option A, painkiller

Explanation:

It is appropriate to translate pharmacological terms such as opioid agonist analgesic to laymen's terms that can be easily understood to patients seeking knowledge on their prescription medication. They may not comprehend these words but can demonstrate learning has occurred when replaced with "painkiller." They may even be overjoyed to hear this to be the purpose of the medication which, in turn, increase the likelihood that they are medication compliant and are adequately knowledgeable of their medication regimen.

Some words and terms with negative connotations are more necessary than others when discussing opioids, while some are not necessary at all in context of patient education, unless the patient themselves asks.

For example, with option B, substance abuse, the patient may need some preliminary warning about the potential for opioid use to lead to the development of tolerance and dependence. But this does not necessarily make it appropriate for the healthcare worker to discuss substance abuse, as the patient may believe taking their medication as prescribed will make them obtain a substance use disorder (SUD).

In that same chain of ideas, with option D, the field of medicine and specifically psychology and addiction studies are moving away from the use of "addict," instead opting for person living with SUD or patient living with SUD. Person-centered language helps to re-focus that the patient is not their condition and still contains multitudes as a human being. Even then, it may still be inappropriate to discuss SUD with the patient unless they voice a concern due to personal circumstances (e.g. family history).

Lastly and still related, the patient should be made aware of the potential for overdose with opioids and be offered resources for obtaining and becoming educated on naloxone (brand name Narcan). However, discussion of drug overdose crisis is inappropriate because it may not necessarily concern the patient.

It is appropriate for the healthcare worker talking to a patient about their opioid prescription to use the term painkiller, option A. The use of the other inappropriate terms may decrease medication adherence and deter the patient from effectively using their prescription medication.  

A. Painkiller is an appropriate term to use when talking to a person who is receiving a prescription for an opioid.

When talking to a person who is receiving a prescription for an opioid, it is important to use language that is respectful, non-stigmatizing, and accurate. The term Painkiller describes opioids as medications used to manage pain, emphasizing their therapeutic purpose in alleviating discomfort.

Using terms like substance abuse, as mentioned in option B, can carry negative connotations and imply misuse or addiction, which may not be applicable or relevant to someone receiving opioids under medical supervision for pain management.

Option C, Drug overdose crisis, refers to a broader public health issue related to opioid misuse and overdose deaths. While important in public health discussions, it may not be suitable when directly addressing an individual receiving a prescribed opioid.

Option D, Addict, is considered stigmatizing and should be avoided when referring to individuals with substance use disorders. It labels individuals based on their condition and can perpetuate negative stereotypes.

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