In Case Study #3 Three nurses woke up in hospital beds due to a secondary exposure to fentanyl after cleaning up a room from a patient who had overdosed, and knowing what we know about pharmacokinetics we need to be taking precautions when a potential fentanyl/heroin overdose is suspected. Proper protocols need to be set in place when dealing with possible overdose of fentanyl/heroin to protect the patient as well as the people who are treating the patient. Experts have recognized a need for help and are trying to analyze ways to best deal with the opioid epidemic, and are trying to find ways to combat the overuse of prescription pain killers that can lead to potential heroin addiction. Safety requirements are needed for healthcare workers,
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Naloxone “is an antidote that may be used to reverse the action of opioid overdose. It does not work every time it is used and its effects may not last as long as effects from the involved opioid. It is administered when there is reason to believe the affected person is experiencing opioid overdose” and should comply with existing medical protocols (Anon, 2017). Corresponding actions that medical personal should consider and follow protocol “always wear PPE as described in: Fentanyl/Opioid Personal Protective Equipment, prevent skin and eye contact, do not handle pills, – advise law enforcement, if you must handle pill – always wear double nitrile gloves, remain vigilant for any signs of high level risk activity”(Anon, 2017). Wear “gowns, long sleeved duty shirts or duty jacket, 2 pairs of properly extended cuff nitrile (at least 5mm thickness) gloves, safety glasses with side shields, face or safety goggles, N95 respirator-worker must be fit tested” (Anon, 2017). After taking medical precautions and after treating the patient disposal and decontamination process should take place to ensure …show more content…
It is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It can be prescribed in forms of transdermal patches or lozenges. It can be diverted for misuse and abuse in the United States (Cdc.gov, 2017). Most recent cases of fentanyl overdose and death in the United States are linked to illegally made fentanyl. “It is sold through illegal drug markets for its heroin-like effect. It is often mixed with heroin and/or cocaine as a combination product—with or without the user’s knowledge—to increase its euphoric effects” (Cdc.gov, 2017). “Overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids other than methadone, which includes fentanyl, increased by 72% from 2014 to 2015.3 Roughly 9,500 people died from overdoses involving synthetic opioids other than methadone in 2015” (Cdc.gov, 2017). Suggesting that our chances of encountering someone on or overdosing with fentanyl are high and it is extremely important that as medical personal and first responders to recognize the potential risk, quick assessment, and taking all precautions will be key to protecting ourselves and others from first and secondary fentanyl
Naloxone “is an antidote that may be used to reverse the action of opioid overdose. It does not work every time it is used and its effects may not last as long as effects from the involved opioid. It is administered when there is reason to believe the affected person is experiencing opioid overdose” and should comply with existing medical protocols (Anon, 2017). Corresponding actions that medical personal should consider and follow protocol “always wear PPE as described in: Fentanyl/Opioid Personal Protective Equipment, prevent skin and eye contact, do not handle pills, – advise law enforcement, if you must handle pill – always wear double nitrile gloves, remain vigilant for any signs of high level risk activity”(Anon, 2017). Wear “gowns, long sleeved duty shirts or duty jacket, 2 pairs of properly extended cuff nitrile (at least 5mm thickness) gloves, safety glasses with side shields, face or safety goggles, N95 respirator-worker must be fit tested” (Anon, 2017). After taking medical precautions and after treating the patient disposal and decontamination process should take place to ensure …show more content…
It is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It can be prescribed in forms of transdermal patches or lozenges. It can be diverted for misuse and abuse in the United States (Cdc.gov, 2017). Most recent cases of fentanyl overdose and death in the United States are linked to illegally made fentanyl. “It is sold through illegal drug markets for its heroin-like effect. It is often mixed with heroin and/or cocaine as a combination product—with or without the user’s knowledge—to increase its euphoric effects” (Cdc.gov, 2017). “Overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids other than methadone, which includes fentanyl, increased by 72% from 2014 to 2015.3 Roughly 9,500 people died from overdoses involving synthetic opioids other than methadone in 2015” (Cdc.gov, 2017). Suggesting that our chances of encountering someone on or overdosing with fentanyl are high and it is extremely important that as medical personal and first responders to recognize the potential risk, quick assessment, and taking all precautions will be key to protecting ourselves and others from first and secondary fentanyl