Roach's Introductory Clinical Pharmacology 11th Edition - Opioid Antagonists Related

Review Roach's Introductory Clinical Pharmacology 11th Edition - Opioid Antagonists related questions and content

When administering an opioid antagonist to reverse opioid-induced respiratory depression, which of the following would be most important for the nurse to keep in mind?

  • A. Monitoring is less frequent if respiratory depression occurs in the immediate postoperative setting.
  • B. The nurse should notify the primary health care provider if any adverse drug reactions occur.
  • C. After the client has shown a response to the drug, the nurse monitors vital signs every 30 to 60 minutes.
  • D. Monitoring of the client's respiratory status includes rate, rhythm, and depth.
  • E. The nurse monitors the client's blood pressure, pulse, and respiratory rate at frequent intervals, usually every 3 minutes, until the client responds.
Correct Answer: B,D

Rationale: As part of the ongoing assessment during the administration of the antagonist, continue to monitor the blood pressure, pulse, and respiratory rate at frequent intervals, usually every 5 minutes, until the client responds. This monitoring should be more frequent if respiratory depression occurs in the immediate postoperative setting. After the client has shown a response to the drug, monitor vital signs every 5 to 15 minutes. Notify the anesthesiologist or primary health care provider if any adverse drug reactions occur because additional medical treatment may be needed. Continue to monitor the respiratory rate, rhythm, and depth; pulse; blood pressure; and level of consciousness until the effects of the opioid wear off.