The nurse is caring for a client in labor who has butorphanol tartrate prescribed for the relief of labor pain. During the administration of the medication, the nurse should ensure that which priority item is readily available?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Butorphanol tartrate is an opioid analgesic that provides systemic pain relief during labor. The nurse should ensure that naloxone and resuscitation equipment are readily available to treat respiratory depression, should it occur. Meperidine hydrochloride is also an opioid analgesic that may be used for pain relief, but it also causes respiratory depression. Although an antiemetic may be prescribed for vomiting, antiemetics may enhance the respiratory depressant effects of the butorphanol tartrate. Although an IV access is desirable, the administration of normal saline is unrelated to the administration of this medication.
Nokea