A patient with cancer uses a fentanyl transdermal patch for pain relief. The patient reports having three or four episodes of severe pain lasting 30 minutes most days. What action will the provider take to address the patient's pain? .

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The correct action is to prescribe a strong, short-acting opioid PRN (as needed) for break-through pain. This is because the patient is already on a long-acting opioid (fentanyl patch) for chronic pain, and the episodes of severe pain indicate the need for additional, immediate relief that a short-acting opioid can provide.

A Patient with Cancer Uses a Fentanyl Transdermal Patch for Pain