Final answer:
The claim that fentanyl can only be administered via IV is false. Fentanyl can be administered through various routes including IV, transdermal, IM, sublingual/buccal, and intranasal methods depending on the patient's needs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that fentanyl may only be administered via IV is false. Fentanyl is a versatile medication that can be delivered through several routes including intravenous (IV), transdermal (through the skin), intramuscular (IM), sublingual/buccal (under the tongue or in the cheek), and even intranasal (through the nose), depending on the clinical situation and patient needs.
For example, a pain patch containing fentanyl can provide continuous pain relief for patients with chronic pain who require opioid analgesia over a prolonged period. Similarly, for rapid onset of pain relief, especially in cases like breakthrough cancer pain, fentanyl might be prescribed in the form of a lozenge or effervescent buccal tablet.
It is important for healthcare providers to carefully consider the appropriate route of administration based on the patient's condition and the desired speed of the drug's effect.