The Opioid Crisis and the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist: Caring for Patients With Opioid Use Disorder in Drug-Free Recovery

Abstract

Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), the diagnostic term for opioid addiction, is estimated to affect millions of Americans and cost those who suffer it enormously. Given that opioid analgesics are a common component of anesthesia, how can we deliver safe and effective care to those who are in drug-free remission? This editorial will provide a background of this disorder, and will focus specifically on recommendations and guidelines available to the nurse anesthetist on the appropriate anesthetic care for the surgical patient population with OUD in recovery and not on maintenance therapy.

Keywords: Opioid Use Disorder; opioid crisis; opioids; relapse.