Kratom Use: An Emerging Perioperative Nursing Concern.

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Pharmacology
• Public Health

Background:

• Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is increasingly used, often unrecognized by healthcare professionals.
• It acts on opioid, adrenergic, and serotonin receptors, influencing physiological responses.
• Use as an opioid substitute or for mood alteration is common.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the perioperative risks associated with kratom use.
• To emphasize the importance of preoperative screening for kratom consumption.
• To inform healthcare teams about potential complications and management strategies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on kratom's pharmacology and clinical effects.
• Analysis of reported perioperative complications in surgical patients.
• Discussion of screening protocols and interdisciplinary communication.

Main Results:

• Kratom use is linked to challenges in pain management, hemodynamic instability, agitation, and withdrawal.
• A significant number of Americans have used kratom, indicating potential for perioperative encounters.
• Preoperative identification of kratom use enables better patient management.

Conclusions:

• Kratom poses significant perioperative challenges requiring increased awareness among health professionals.
• Preoperative screening for kratom use is crucial for patient safety.
• Effective communication among perioperative teams is essential for managing patients using kratom.