A patient underwent a thoracotomy 12 hours ago
The patient currently has an epidural catheter in place and is receiving continuous epidural analgesia with morphine. In addition to respiratory depression, the patient should be monitored for which of the following complications?
a. Urinary retention, undue somnolence, itching, nausea, and vomiting
b. Urinary incontinence, photophobia, headache, and skin rash
c. Apprehension, anxiety, restlessness, sadness, anger, and myoclonus
d. Gastric bleeding, nasal discharge, cerebrospinal fluid leak, and calf pain
A
Epidural analgesia is commonly used in critical care units after major abdominal surgery, nephrectomy, thoracotomy, and major orthopedic procedures. Monitor for adverse reactions, including respiratory depression, urinary retention, undue somnolence, itching, seizures, nausea, and vomiting.
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