A nurse working in hospice is providing care for a patient recently started on a transdermal fentanyl patch. Which of the following statements, made by the patient's caretaker, indicates further teaching is required?
A) "I can wash right over the patch, and it won't come off."
B) "I should change the patch every 3 days."
C) "I put the first patch on him this morning at 8 a.m., so he shouldn't need any more pain medicine today."
D) "The medicine can cause constipation, so it is important to give him the stool softener and increase fluid if possible."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This statement indicates a misunderstanding of the dosing schedule of the fentanyl patch. The patch provides a continuous dose of medication over a period of time, typically 72 hours. It does not provide immediate relief of pain like oral pain medication would. Therefore, the patient may still need pain medication as prescribed by their healthcare provider. The other statements demonstrate correct understanding of patch care and medication side effects.

A Nurse Working in Hospice Is Providing Care for a Patient