Fentanyl is more potent than which of the following substances?

Fentanyl is significantly more potent than morphine, making this the correct choice. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is approximately 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, which is why it is commonly used in pain management, particularly for patients who require strong analgesics. The greater potency of fentanyl allows for effective pain control at much lower doses compared to morphine.

In clinical practice, the higher potency of fentanyl also leads to a need for careful dosing and monitoring in order to prevent potential overdose, especially in patients who may not have been previously exposed to opioids or in those who may have a reduced tolerance. This characteristic highlights its efficacy in acute care settings, where rapid pain relief is often required.

In contrast, substances like codeine, hydrocodone, and oxycodone are less potent than morphine and thus do not reach the same level of efficacy as fentanyl. This distinction is crucial when considering pain management options for patients, particularly for those experiencing severe pain or requiring surgical analgesia. Understanding these potency differences is essential for safe and effective pain management in an oral and maxillofacial surgical context.