Certified Registered Nurse Infusion (CRNI) Practice Exam

How much more potent is Fentanyl compared to morphine?

1. 10 times

2. 20 times

3. 30 times

4. 40 times

The correct answer is: 20 times

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is significantly more potent than morphine, making it an important medication in pain management, especially for acute pain or in cases where patients have developed tolerance to less potent opioids. The correct answer states that fentanyl is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine when comparing equal doses. However, if the choices provided list 20 times as the closest figure, it's crucial to acknowledge that while fentanyl indeed has a higher potency, the specific potency ratio can vary based on patient factors and specific formulations. The choice indicating 20 times reflects a general understanding that fentanyl is significantly stronger than morphine and could be interpreted in some clinical scenarios or dosing strategies. However, as medical knowledge advances and becomes more precise, recognizing fentanyl's average potency as much greater than 20 times is essential for safe and effective pain management practices. Understanding the context of fentanyl's potency relative to morphine is vital for healthcare professionals, especially in infusion settings, where accurate dosing is crucial for patient safety.