Substance abuse in the perioperative setting

Published information and extensive anecdotal reports from perioperative nurses reveal an alarming amount of substance abuse in the perioperative setting. In addition to the familiar controlled substances (eg, narcotics, tranquilizers), practitioners must be familiar with the potential abuse of anesthesia induction agents such as ketamine, nitrous oxide, and general inhalation anesthetics. Perioperative nurses need to be aware of the problem of substance abuse in the perioperative setting, increase their knowledge of substance abuse practices, be alert to signs and symptoms of chemical dependency, and have plans for responding to reported substance abuse situations when on duty.