A 57-Year-Old Patient Has Been on a Transdermal Narcotic Analgesic

A 57-year-old patient has been on a transdermal narcotic analgesic as part of the management of pain for end-stage breast cancer.Lately,she has experienced "breakthrough" pain.How should this pain be addressed?

A) She should be given nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) .
B) Her current therapy should not be changed.
C) The baseline dose of the narcotic may need to be increased in increments.
D) The narcotic route should be changed to the rectal route to increase absorption.