Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA) Practice Exam

Which of the following medications can be administered via nasal spray for moderate to severe pain?

1. Morphine

2. Meperidine

3. Butorphanol

4. Nalbuphine

The correct answer is: Butorphanol

Butorphanol is a medication that can be effectively administered via nasal spray for the management of moderate to severe pain. It belongs to the class of mixed opioid agonist-antagonists, which means it has both agonistic and antagonistic properties at opioid receptors. The formulation designed for nasal delivery offers fast absorption and onset of action, making it a suitable option for pain relief, particularly in settings where intravenous or oral administration may not be feasible. Other medications listed, while effective for pain control, do not have established nasal spray formulations for direct administration. Morphine and meperidine are typically given through intravenous, oral, or intramuscular routes, while nalbuphine is administered primarily through injection. Therefore, butorphanol stands out as the specific medication among the options that is recognized for its nasal spray delivery method, allowing for effective management of pain in a non-invasive manner.