Nokea
Which of the following would a nurse most likely be ordered to give to a client experiencing opioid-induced respiratory depression?
- A. Naloxone
- B. Nalbuphine
- C. Naltrexone
- D. Naproxen
- E. Nitroglycerin
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Naloxone is an opioid antagonist specifically developed to reverse respiratory depression associated with opioids. Naltrexone may also be used, but its primary use is in the treatment of alcohol dependence. Nalbuphine is an agonist-antagonist used for severe chronic pain. Naproxen is an NSAID. Nitroglycerin is used for angina.
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The nurse is evaluating a client who has received naloxone for respiratory depression. Assessment of which of the following would indicate effectiveness of the drug therapy?
- A. Client is now receiving mechanical ventilation.
- B. Client's level of pain has decreased.
- C. Respiratory rate and depth are within acceptable parameters.
- D. Fluid intake and output are balanced.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The client receives naloxone to reverse respiratory depression. Therefore, a respiratory rate and depth within acceptable parameters indicate that the drug was effective. The need for mechanical ventilation indicates that the client is still experiencing respiratory difficulty.
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.
A nurse suspects that a client receiving naloxone is experiencing an adverse reaction when the assessment reveals which of the following?
- A. Bradycardia
- B. Dry, flushed skin
- C. Tremors
- D. Diarrhea
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Generalized reactions to naloxone include nausea and vomiting, sweating, tachycardia, increased blood pressure, and tremors.
An opioid-naïve client experiences acute pain after surgery and is prescribed opioid therapy. The nurse would be especially alert for the development of which of the following?
- A. Pruritus
- B. Severe headache
- C. Respiratory depression
- D. Urticaria
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse should monitor for symptoms of respiratory depression developing in the client as one of the severe adverse reactions of opioid treatment. Pruritus, urticaria, and headache are caused by opioids, but these conditions are not the most severe and common adverse reactions observed in opioid-naïve clients.
A client with respiratory depression is administered an opioid antagonist by the nurse. What ongoing assessment should the nurse perform when administering the opioid antagonist to the client?
- A. Monitor vital signs every 5 to 15 minutes.
- B. Review allergy history and other treatment modalities.
- C. Teach different breathing patterns to the client.
- D. Monitor the blood pH level of the client.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The ongoing assessment performed by the nurse when administering an opioid antagonist to the client involves monitoring the vital signs of the client every 5 to 15 minutes. Monitoring the blood pH level of the client is not part of the ongoing assessment. Reviewing the allergy history and other treatment modalities and teaching different breathing patterns to the client are preadministration assessments that are performed before the administration of the drug; they are not ongoing assessments.