Understanding Opioid Prescribing Practices of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses

The advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who treats patients in pain using controlled substances is held to a high standard of education and practice and is responsible for understanding the complex pharmacokinetics of opioids. With the complexity of these drugs, complaints to boards of nursing (BONs) are more likely. This article presents a case study of a chronic-pain patient being treated with opioids by an APRN. The article also provides helpful information for APRNs to consider when assessing patients in pain and treating them with opioids and for investigators and BONs to consider when evaluating cases involving pain management by APRNs.