Opioids as MedicationsPage 2 of 17

Opioids as Medications

Spilled container of opioids.

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Authors:
     Mary Lynn Mathre, RN, MSN, CARN
     Mark Nichols, PhD

Contact hours: 2
AOTA CEUs: 0.2
Expiration date: November 1, 2025
Course price: $17*

*Register or login when you reach the last chapter.

Course Summary

The pharmacologic properties of opioids including their mechanisms of action, receptor targets, target tissues, agonists and antagonists. Clinical applications including accepted usage, duration of action, and the minimizing of side effects. Finally, a look at overdose deaths from opioid abuse, cannabis as a harm reduction agent, and patient education about opioids.

For Mail Order

To register and pay via U.S. mail, please download the PDF below and follow the written instructions.

PDF icon Opioids as Medications (178)

Target Audience

Nurses, nurse practitioners, advanced practice nurses, physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants*.

AOTA Approved Provider Logo 2023 ATrain Education is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. Approved provider #6558. This distance learning-independent is offered at 0.2 CEUs, introductory, Foundational Knowledge. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.

Criteria for Successful Completion

Study the course material, achieve a score of 80% or higher on the post test (the post test can be repeated if a learner scores less than 80%), complete the course evaluation, and pay where required. No partial credit will be awarded.

Accreditation

To find specific accreditations or approvals, click here.

Conflict of Interest/Commercial Support Disclosure

The planners and authors of this learning activity have declared no conflicts of interest, vested interest, or financial relationship that may influence the content of this activity. All information is provided fairly and without bias.

ATrain Education, Inc. received no outside financial or commercial support in the preparation, presentation or implementation of this learning activity and has no affiliation with any company whose products or services are mentioned in this activity.

Course Objectives

When you finish this course you will be able to*:

  1. Name 1 derivative for the opium poppy that was made popular in the 19th century.
  2. Identify the 3 receptor targets in the human brain.
  3. Identify 5 actions of morphine on the CNS.
  4. Name 3 morphine-like drugs that are in common use today.
  5. Discuss the 3 bodily responses to regular use of opioids: dependence, tolerance, and addiction.
  6. Explain the 4 elements of ADME in pharmacokinetics.
  7. List 3 opioid analgesics in addition to morphine.
  8. List 5 opioid antagonists to counter dependency to opioids.
  9. Identify 3 groups that are more likely to abuse or overdose on prescription painkillers.
  10. Describe the use of methadone and its relation to overdose deaths.
  11. State the 1 greatest danger of heroin on the black market.
  12. Explain 2 reasons that cannabis may be an effective adjunct treatment for chronic pain to reduce the use of opioids.

*Please note: attainment of course objectives will be assessed in the course evaluation.