Wong's Essentials of Pediatric Nursing 11th Edition Test Bank - Pain Assessment in and Management in Children Related

Review Wong's Essentials of Pediatric Nursing 11th Edition Test Bank - Pain Assessment in and Management in Children related questions and content

The nurse is caring for a child receiving a continuous intravenous (IV) low-dose infusion of morphine for severe postoperative pain. The nurse observes a slower respiratory rate, and the child cannot be aroused. The most appropriate management of this child is for the nurse to do which first?

  • A. Administer naloxone (Narcan).
  • B. Discontinue the IV infusion.
  • C. Discontinue morphine until the child is fully awake.
  • D. Stimulate the child by calling his or her name, shaking gently, and asking the child to breathe deeply.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The management of opioid-induced respiratory depression includes lowering the rate of infusion and stimulating the child. If the respiratory rate is depressed and the child cannot be aroused, then IV naloxone should be administered. The child will be in pain because of the reversal of the morphine. The morphine should be discontinued, but naloxone is indicated if the child is unresponsive.