Fentanyl Transdermal Patches - Competency Assessment 2014

1. Fentanyl patch is appropriate treatment for acute pain?

True

False

Fentanyl patch is not appropriate for the treatment of acute pain. Fentanyl is a potent opioid medication that is typically used for managing chronic pain, such as in cancer patients or those with severe, long-term pain conditions. Acute pain, on the other hand, is sudden and short-term, often resulting from injuries, surgeries, or medical procedures. For acute pain, other forms of pain relief, such as oral medications or short-acting opioids, are usually more suitable. Therefore, the statement "Fentanyl patch is appropriate treatment for acute pain" is false.

Explanation

Fentanyl patch is not appropriate for the treatment of acute pain. Fentanyl is a potent opioid medication that is typically used for managing chronic pain, such as in cancer patients or those with severe, long-term pain conditions. Acute pain, on the other hand, is sudden and short-term, often resulting from injuries, surgeries, or medical procedures. For acute pain, other forms of pain relief, such as oral medications or short-acting opioids, are usually more suitable. Therefore, the statement "Fentanyl patch is appropriate treatment for acute pain" is false.

2. Fentanyl patches are contraindicated in:

Patients who are not opiod-tolerant

In the managment of acute pain

In the managment of post-operative pain

All of the above

Fentanyl patches are contraindicated in patients who are not opioid-tolerant because these patches contain a potent opioid medication that can cause serious respiratory depression and other adverse effects in individuals who are not accustomed to opioids. Additionally, fentanyl patches are not suitable for the management of acute pain or post-operative pain as they are designed for chronic pain management and should not be used in these situations. Therefore, all of the above options are correct contraindications for fentanyl patches.

Explanation

Fentanyl patches are contraindicated in patients who are not opioid-tolerant because these patches contain a potent opioid medication that can cause serious respiratory depression and other adverse effects in individuals who are not accustomed to opioids. Additionally, fentanyl patches are not suitable for the management of acute pain or post-operative pain as they are designed for chronic pain management and should not be used in these situations. Therefore, all of the above options are correct contraindications for fentanyl patches.

3. A patient has been receiving 100 mg / day of oral morphine for the past 3 days. What is the appropriate conversion dose of fentanyl patch ?

25mcg/hr

50mcg/hr

75mcg/hr

The correct answer states that a fentanyl patch is not recommended unless the patient has received more than 60 mg of oral morphine for a week or longer. This means that if the patient has been receiving 100 mg/day of oral morphine for the past 3 days, they do not meet the criteria for switching to a fentanyl patch. Therefore, none of the options for specific fentanyl patch doses (25mcg/hr, 50mcg/hr, 75mcg/hr) are appropriate in this case.

Explanation

The correct answer states that a fentanyl patch is not recommended unless the patient has received more than 60 mg of oral morphine for a week or longer. This means that if the patient has been receiving 100 mg/day of oral morphine for the past 3 days, they do not meet the criteria for switching to a fentanyl patch. Therefore, none of the options for specific fentanyl patch doses (25mcg/hr, 50mcg/hr, 75mcg/hr) are appropriate in this case.

4. Per TMMC policy a fentanyl patch dose may be titrated upwards:

Anytime the patient is compliaining of pain for more the 4 hours

No more than 3 days after the initial dose or ever 6 days there after

Every 3 days

Every 48 hours

Option 5

According to TMMC policy, a fentanyl patch dose may be titrated upwards no more than 3 days after the initial dose or every 6 days thereafter. This means that the dose can be increased within the first 3 days after the initial dose, and then every 6 days thereafter if necessary. This allows for adjustments in the dosage based on the patient's pain levels and ensures that the medication is being effectively managed.

Explanation

According to TMMC policy, a fentanyl patch dose may be titrated upwards no more than 3 days after the initial dose or every 6 days thereafter. This means that the dose can be increased within the first 3 days after the initial dose, and then every 6 days thereafter if necessary. This allows for adjustments in the dosage based on the patient's pain levels and ensures that the medication is being effectively managed.

5. The maximum recommended dose of fentanyl patch per TMMC protocol is?

100mcg/hr

200mcg/hr

300mcg/hr

400mcg/hr

According to the TMMC protocol, the maximum recommended dose of fentanyl patch is 300mcg/hr. This means that patients should not exceed this dosage per hour as it may lead to potential risks and side effects. It is important to follow the recommended dosage to ensure the safe and effective use of the medication.

Explanation

According to the TMMC protocol, the maximum recommended dose of fentanyl patch is 300mcg/hr. This means that patients should not exceed this dosage per hour as it may lead to potential risks and side effects. It is important to follow the recommended dosage to ensure the safe and effective use of the medication.