Which metabolites are expected for oxycodone on confirmatory urine testing?

The correct answer involves understanding the metabolic processes of oxycodone and the substances that are produced from its breakdown. Oxycodone is primarily metabolized in the liver, where it undergoes various enzymatic processes. The most notable metabolites produced include oxymorphone, which is an active metabolite of oxycodone. Therefore, when performing confirmatory urine testing for oxycodone, one would indeed expect to find oxycodone itself along with its metabolite, oxymorphone.

The presence of oxymorphone in the urine is particularly significant as it can indicate the use of oxycodone specifically, distinguishing it from other opioids. This is particularly relevant in clinical and legal settings where the identification of specific opioids and their metabolites can impact patient care and drug testing protocols.

In contrast, while hydromorphone may be detected in the urine, it is not a direct metabolite of oxycodone. Similarly, morphine is not a metabolite of oxycodone either; it is produced primarily from the breakdown of codeine or heroin, making its presence unrelated to oxycodone use. As such, the correct pairing for confirmatory testing of oxycodone would accurately include both oxycodone and its significant metabol