Welcome to the Legal Nurse Podcast, where complex medical topics meet the world of litigation. In this episode, host Pat Iyer sits down with Dr. Allison Muller, a seasoned toxicologist who brings her expertise to the forefront of the ongoing opioid crisis. Together, they delve into the multifaceted role opioids play in patient care, legal cases, and toxicology, offering invaluable insights for legal nurse consultants and medical professionals alike.



Throughout their conversation, Pat Iyer and Allison Muller unpack the intricacies of opioid administration, the significance of accurate medical record documentation, and the challenges of interpreting toxicology reports, especially in postmortem cases. Dr. Muller sheds light on key concepts such as opioid tolerance versus naivety, risks of over-sedation, and the life-saving but often misunderstood role of naloxone in reversing opioid overdoses.



Whether you're navigating your first toxicology-related case or looking to deepen your understanding of opioid implications in acute care settings, this episode offers practical guidance and real-world examples. From common pitfalls in toxicology interpretation to the criteria for bringing a toxicologist onto your legal team, Dr. Muller and Pat Iyer provide a roadmap for safer patient care and stronger case outcomes.



What you’ll learn in this episode on Navigating Opioid Cases: Insights from a Toxicologist on Medical Records and Overdose Risks



Here are five intriguing questions that this podcast answers:




How should medical records be reviewed to accurately track opioid administration in acute care settings, and what are the limitations of toxicology blood levels in this context?



Why do toxicology reports from autopsies take so long to be completed, and what complexities are involved in determining the substances present in a decedent's system?



What is the difference between opioid naive and opioid tolerant patients, and why is understanding these distinctions critical for safe opioid prescribing?



What are the best practices for administering Naloxone (Narcan) in cases of opioid overdose, and why is timing so crucial for its effectiveness?



When is it appropriate for a legal nurse consultant to recommend involving a toxicologist in a case, especially when interpreting complex toxicology results?








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Your Presenters for Navigating Opioid Cases: Insights from a Toxicologist on Medical Records and Overdose Risks



Pat Iyer



Pat Iyer is a seasoned legal nurse consultant and business coach renowned for her expertise in guiding new legal nurse consultants to successfully break into the field. As the host of the Legal Nurse Podcast, Pat addresses critical challenges that legal nurse consultants face, such as difficulty in landing clients and lack of response from attorneys. Through her insightful episodes, she emphasizes the importance of effectively communicating one's value to potential clients. With a wealth of experience, Pat has empowered countless consultants to overcome these hurdles and thrive in their careers.



Connect with Pat Iyer by email at patiyer@legalnusebusiness.com



Allison Muller



Toxicologist with a passion for science, family, and the outdoors. Board-certified clinical toxicologist, fellow of the American Academy of Clinical Toxicology, affiliate fellow of the American College of Medical Toxicology, and faculty at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. Scientist with a flair for explaining the hard stuff to the triers of fact and anyone who wants to learn toxicology! When she isn't on this podcast, she's caring for an orange tabby cat and a dwarf bunny (luckily the tabby doesn't know his best friend is a bunny!)



Connect with Allison Muller by email at Allison@AcriMullerConsulting.com