A 57-Year-Old Patient Has Been on a Transdermal Narcotic Analgesic

Multiple Choice

A 57-year-old patient has been on a transdermal narcotic analgesic as part of the management of pain for end-stage breast cancer.Lately,she has experienced "breakthrough" pain.How should this pain be addressed?

A) She should be given NSAIDs.
B) Her current therapy should not be changed.
C) The baseline dose of the narcotic may need to be increased in increments.
D) The narcotic route should be changed to the rectal route, to increase absorption.