A nurse is caring for a client who has an opioid use disorder. The nurse should anticipate that the provider will prescribe which of the following medications for treatment?

• A. Phenobarbital
• B. Chlordiazepoxide
• C. Buprenorphine
• D. Diazepam

Answer: (C)

A medication-assisted approach for opioid use disorder commonly uses buprenorphine. It is a partial opioid agonist, which means it activates opioid receptors but to a limited extent. This helps ease withdrawal symptoms and curb cravings without producing the strong euphoria or dangerous waves of respiration depression that full opioid agonists can cause. Its ceiling effect lowers the risk of overdose, making it safer for long-term maintenance. It can be prescribed in outpatient settings and is often given with naloxone to discourage misuse.

The other drugs listed are not standard treatments for opioid dependence. Phenobarbital is a barbiturate used for seizures and sedation, not for opioid withdrawal or craving management. Chlordiazepoxide and diazepam are benzodiazepines typically used for anxiety or alcohol withdrawal; they don’t treat opioid dependence and can worsen safety when used with opioids due to additive CNS depression.