Which medication is commonly administered to neonates for pain management during transport?

Which medication is commonly administered to neonates for pain management during transport?

• A. Morphine
• B. Ativan
• C. Fentanyl
• D. Aspirin

Answer: (C)

Fentanyl is commonly administered to neonates for pain management during transport due to its potent analgesic properties and rapid onset of action. As a synthetic opioid, fentanyl effectively alleviates pain, which is particularly important in neonatal care where even minor discomfort can be distressing for infants. Its formulation is suitable for intravenous administration, which is advantageous in a transport setting where quick ventilation and analgesia can be crucial. Additionally, fentanyl has a short half-life, allowing for easy titration to manage pain effectively without prolonged sedation. Nurses and clinicians are trained to monitor the vital signs and overall responsiveness of neonates receiving fentanyl, ensuring safety while managing pain adequately. While morphine is also an effective analgesic and is sometimes used, it is less favored specifically in the neonatal population due to its slower onset and longer duration of effects compared to fentanyl. Ativan, primarily an anxiolytic, is not typically chosen for pain management, and aspirin is contraindicated in neonates due to the risk of Reye's syndrome. This context clarifies the appropriateness of fentanyl as the preferred choice for pain management in neonates during transport.

Fentanyl is commonly administered to neonates for pain management during transport due to its potent analgesic properties and rapid onset of action. As a synthetic opioid, fentanyl effectively alleviates pain, which is particularly important in neonatal care where even minor discomfort can be distressing for infants. Its formulation is suitable for intravenous administration, which is advantageous in a transport setting where quick ventilation and analgesia can be crucial.

Additionally, fentanyl has a short half-life, allowing for easy titration to manage pain effectively without prolonged sedation. Nurses and clinicians are trained to monitor the vital signs and overall responsiveness of neonates receiving fentanyl, ensuring safety while managing pain adequately.

While morphine is also an effective analgesic and is sometimes used, it is less favored specifically in the neonatal population due to its slower onset and longer duration of effects compared to fentanyl. Ativan, primarily an anxiolytic, is not typically chosen for pain management, and aspirin is contraindicated in neonates due to the risk of Reye's syndrome. This context clarifies the appropriateness of fentanyl as the preferred choice for pain management in neonates during transport.