A patient overdosed on opiates; what is an appropriate discharge plan?

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Multiple Choice

A patient overdosed on opiates; what is an appropriate discharge plan?

After stabilization from an opioid overdose, the priority is to ensure the patient stays connected to care that addresses both the overdose risk and ongoing opioid use. Arranging a rapid follow-up with her own primary care physician the next day creates a critical link to assessment, safety planning, and initiation of appropriate treatment, including consideration of medication-assisted therapy if indicated, along with referrals to addiction services as needed. This approach also allows timely review of home safety, naloxone access and education, and identification of social or mental health factors that could affect recovery. Waiting to follow up later or sending the patient home without any follow-up leaves a high risk of recurrent overdose, while inpatient detox is not routinely required immediately unless there are specific medical or safety concerns.

After stabilization from an opioid overdose, the priority is to ensure the patient stays connected to care that addresses both the overdose risk and ongoing opioid use. Arranging a rapid follow-up with her own primary care physician the next day creates a critical link to assessment, safety planning, and initiation of appropriate treatment, including consideration of medication-assisted therapy if indicated, along with referrals to addiction services as needed. This approach also allows timely review of home safety, naloxone access and education, and identification of social or mental health factors that could affect recovery. Waiting to follow up later or sending the patient home without any follow-up leaves a high risk of recurrent overdose, while inpatient detox is not routinely required immediately unless there are specific medical or safety concerns.

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