Question

A nurse is providing discharge teaching about handling medication to a client who is to continue taking oral transmucosal fentanyl raspberry-flavored lozenges on a stick. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

A) "Swallow the lozenge whole without chewing."
B) "Apply the lozenge directly to your skin for absorption."
C) "Discard any unused lozenges in the regular trash."
D) "Store the lozenges in a cool, dry place."

Answer 1

The nurse should instruct the client to swallow the oral transmucosal fentanyl raspberry-flavored lozenge on a stick whole without chewing. The correct answer is A) "Swallow the lozenge whole without chewing."

Step-by-step explanation:

This method ensures the proper absorption of the medication and prevents an excessive release of the drug, which could lead to an overdose. Chewing the lozenge can disrupt the controlled release mechanism designed for the medication.

The rationale behind this instruction is based on the pharmacokinetics of the medication. Oral transmucosal fentanyl is designed to be absorbed through the oral mucosa, providing a rapid onset of pain relief. Chewing the lozenge could lead to a quick release of the entire drug dose, increasing the risk of respiratory depression and other adverse effects. In contrast, swallowing the lozenge allows for gradual absorption, maintaining a therapeutic level of the medication.

The nurse must emphasize this point during discharge teaching to ensure the safe and effective use of the medication. Patients need to understand the specific administration instructions for their prescribed medications to optimize therapeutic outcomes while minimizing the risk of adverse reactions. Therefore, advising the client to swallow the lozenge whole aligns with the pharmacological principles and safety considerations associated with oral transmucosal fentanyl administration. The correct answer is A) "Swallow the lozenge whole without chewing."