Which analgesic prescription should the nurse question for a postoperative client?

In managing postoperative pain, the selection of analgesics is guided by the patient's condition, the severity of the pain, and the pharmacokinetics of the medications being used. Transdermal fentanyl patches are typically used for chronic pain management in patients who are already opioid-tolerant due to their slow onset and long duration of action.

Postoperative clients, particularly those who have just undergone major surgery such as an amputation, require immediate and effective pain relief that can be achieved with fast-acting analgesics or opioids. Initiating fentanyl patches in such a context could potentially place the patient at risk for inadequate pain control, adverse effects, or overdose, especially since full analgesic effects are not felt until the patch has had time to deliver the medication over a period of hours to days.

In contrast, options such as a lidocaine patch or hydromorphone are more appropriate for providing effective pain relief in their respective contexts. Lidocaine patches can be effective for localized pain management, while hydromorphone is suitable for moderate to severe pain, making it appropriate for a patient with a fractured femur. Tramadol is also a reasonable choice for managing postoperative pain after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, as it provides