A nurse is preparing a patient for home care following cancer treatment.
He is discussing the use of the fentanyl patch.
Which of the following would be the most important instruction regarding safety?
Store fentanyl patches in a locked cabinet.
Prepare the skin by cleaning it with an antiseptic scrub solution.
Apply as directed by the primary care provider.
Use as needed for breakthrough pain.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice C rationale:
The most crucial instruction regarding the safety of fentanyl patches is to apply them as directed by the primary care provider. Fentanyl is a potent opioid medication, and its misuse or improper application can lead to serious health risks, including overdose. Therefore, following the prescriber's instructions is of utmost importance to ensure the patient's safety.
Choice A rationale:
Storing fentanyl patches in a locked cabinet is a good practice to prevent unauthorized access and to keep them out of reach of children or individuals who should not have access to the medication. However, it is not the most critical safety instruction. Proper application and usage are more important.
Choice B rationale:
While preparing the skin by cleaning with an antiseptic scrub solution is a necessary step when applying a transdermal medication like a fentanyl patch, it is not the most critical safety instruction. It is a standard part of the application process but does not address the overarching safety concerns related to fentanyl use.
Choice D rationale:
Using fentanyl patches as needed for breakthrough pain without clear guidance from a healthcare provider is not a safe practice. Fentanyl is a potent medication with a high risk of overdose, and its use should always be closely monitored and directed by a healthcare professional. Self-adjusting the dosage without medical supervision can lead to serious safety issues.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
If a patient with a Fentanyl patch is experiencing symptoms like abnormal sleepiness, slurred speech, and unsteadiness when ambulating, it could indicate an overdose or adverse reaction to the Fentanyl. In such cases, the patch should be removed immediately to stop the further absorption of the drug. Wiping off the skin can also help remove any residual medication. This is the correct choice as it addresses the issue at its source.
Choice B rationale:
Applying ice to the skin around the Fentanyl patch is not the appropriate action in this situation. Ice will not counteract the effects of a Fentanyl overdose or adverse reaction. The priority is to remove the patch and seek medical attention.
Choice C rationale:
Elevating the head of the bed and offering coffee or cola may be useful in combating some forms of sleepiness but would not be effective for someone experiencing an overdose or adverse reaction to Fentanyl. This choice does not address the problem's root cause and is not the appropriate action to take.
Choice D rationale:
Putting up the side rails on the bed does not address the issue of Fentanyl patch overdose or adverse reactions. This choice is not relevant to the situation and should not be chosen.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Indomethacin (Indocin) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID). It is commonly used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain, making it a suitable choice for pain management in conditions where inflammation plays a role, such as arthritis or musculoskeletal injuries.
Choice B rationale:
Indomethacin is not typically categorized as an adjuvant analgesic. Adjuvant analgesics are medications that are not primarily designed for pain relief but may enhance the effects of analgesics when used in combination.
Choice C rationale:
Indomethacin is not a COX-2 inhibitor. COX-2 inhibitors are a specific class of NSAIDs that target the COX-2 enzyme while sparing COX-1. Indomethacin is a traditional NSAID that inhibits both COX-1 and COX-2.
Choice D rationale:
Indomethacin is not a narcotic analgesic. Narcotic analgesics, also known as opioids, are a separate class of medications used for the management of moderate to severe pain. Indomethacin does not belong to this class and has a different mechanism of action.
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