A client who has been prescribed Fentanyl for severe pain asks the nurse about how this medication differs from over-the-counter pain relievers like Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen.
Which of the following responses by the nurse would be most accurate?

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)

Choice A rationale:

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is an analgesic and antipyretic medication commonly used for reducing pain and fever in children.

However, it works by a different mechanism than inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis.

It's essential for pain management, but it doesn't specifically target prostaglandins.

Choice B rationale:

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, reducing pain and fever.

It is effective for mild to moderate pain and fever in children.

This is the correct choice because it directly addresses the question about inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis.

Choice C rationale:

Morphine and choice D, Fentanyl, are opioids.

They are potent analgesics used for severe pain, particularly in situations like post-operative or cancer pain.

These medications are not typically used for mild to moderate pain and fever in children.

Choice A rationale:

Fentanyl is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces inflammation and pain.

This statement is incorrect.

Fentanyl is not an NSAID.

It is an opioid medication that binds to opioid receptors, altering the perception and response to painful stimuli.

It is used for severe pain management and is unrelated to NSAIDs.

Choice B rationale:

Fentanyl is an opioid medication that binds to opioid receptors, altering perception and response to painful stimuli.

This is the accurate response.

Fentanyl is a potent opioid that works by binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system, altering the perception of pain and the body's response to painful stimuli.

It is a powerful analgesic for severe pain.

Choice C rationale:

Fentanyl is similar to Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen but is typically used for more severe pain.

This statement is misleading.

Fentanyl is not similar to Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen.

While all three medications have pain-relieving properties, Fentanyl is a much stronger opioid used for severe pain, while Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen are milder, non-opioid analgesics.

Choice D rationale:

Fentanyl works by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, similar to Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen.

This statement is inaccurate.

Fentanyl's mechanism of action is different from Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen.

While Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, Fentanyl acts by binding to opioid receptors and modulating pain perception centrally, without affecting prostaglandins.