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This research addresses the implications of kratom use in the perioperative setting.

April 29, 2026

Kratom Use: An Emerging Perioperative Nursing Concern

Key Points

This research addresses the implications of kratom use in the perioperative setting.
Overview of kratom's effects on pain management and surgery complications.
Discussion on the role of nurses in screening patients for kratom use.
Analysis of patient care strategies throughout the perioperative process.
Kratom is associated with complications like pain management difficulties and hemodynamic instability.
Approximately 1.9 million American adults have used kratom, necessitating patient screening before surgery.
Informed care teams can better manage possible untoward effects of kratom.

Abstract

-adrenergic, and serotonin receptors and has been associated with perioperative complications, including difficulty managing pain, hemodynamic instability, agitation, and withdrawal symptoms in patients undergoing surgery. Considering that 1.9 million Americans aged 12 years and older have used kratom, screening patients before surgery is important. Preoperative nurses can positively affect patient care by communicating a patient's use of kratom to the care team. With that knowledge, perianesthesia, intraoperative, and postoperative teams can be prepared for any untoward effects of kratom use across all perioperative settings.

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Kratom Use: An Emerging Perioperative Nursing Concern

Key Points

Abstract

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