Fentanyl is considered a high-alert medication in acute care settings because it is a(n):
Rationale: Fentanyl is classified as an opioid, which is a potent analgesic used for pain management but carries a high risk of respiratory depression and overdose, especially in acute care settings. This necessitates careful monitoring and administration protocols to prevent serious adverse effects.
Option A, adrenergic agonists, refers to medications that stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, not relevant to fentanyl. Option B, insulin, is a hormone used for diabetes management, distinct from opioid action. Option C, neuromuscular blockers, are used to induce paralysis during surgery and do not relate to fentanyl's analgesic properties. Thus, fentanyl’s classification as an opioid highlights its high-alert status due to its potential dangers.
