Title: Features and overview

Context:
When considering an opioid taper, monitor for conditions that may warrant evaluation and arrange primary care and/or emergency department follow-up when indicated. If a patient is taking more than their prescribed dosage of opioids or showing signs of aberrant behavior, before deciding to change therapy, look for “red flags”. The red flags are progressive numbness or weakness, progressive changes in bowel or bladder function, unexplained weight loss, history of internal malignancy that has not been re-staged, signs of/risk factors for infection. An urgent evaluation may be needed when there is progressive numbness or weakness, progressive changes in bowel or bladder function, unexplained weight loss, a history of internal malignancy that has not been re-staged, signs of/risk factors for infection such as fever, recent skin or urinary infection, immunosuppression, IV drug use.

Question: What are the signs of/risk factors for infection?

Answer: fever, recent skin or urinary infection, immunosuppression, IV drug use