Patient was educated on Dilaudid and its mechanism of action as follows:

1. Dilaudid is an opioid pain medication that contains Hydromorphone.
2. Hydromorphone is derived from Morphine, which is an opioid alkaloid like Thebaine and Codeine.
3. Dilaudid is used to relieve moderate to severe pain.
4. Dilaudid binds with the opioid receptors in the brain and block the release of excitatory neurotransmitters, such as, substance P, which are involved with pain production. Thus, Dilaudid primarily modifies the pain signaling in the brain.
5. This action of Dilaudid alters the perception of pain by the patient.
6. Dilaudid is also used for breakthrough pain in cancer treatment along with other long acting opioid pain killers, such as, Hydrocodone and Oxycodone.