Why might intravenous administration of opioids be preferred in a burn patient?

Intravenous administration of opioids is preferred in burn patients mainly because it provides immediate pain relief. Burn injuries are often associated with severe pain that requires rapid management. Opioids given intravenously enter the bloodstream quickly, allowing for a swift onset of analgesic effects, which is crucial in a situation where the patient's pain levels need to be controlled as rapidly as possible to enhance comfort and facilitate other medical interventions.

In contrast, other routes of administration, such as oral or intramuscular, may delay the onset of pain relief due to the time required for the medication to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Therefore, for patients in acute pain, especially those suffering from severely painful conditions like burns, intravenous administration is advantageous for its speed and effectiveness in providing relief.