The nurse prepares to give a patient the next scheduled dose of an opioid analgesic. The patient arouses easily but the respiratory rate remains at 10 breaths per minute. What is the nurse's best first action?
a. Hold the dose and notify the prescriber.
b. Hold the dose and apply oxygen by mask or nasal cannula.
c. Check the patient's oxygen saturation and ask about his or her pain level.
d. Call the Rapid Response Team and prepare to administer the prescribed opioid antagonist.
C
Many people experience mild respiratory depression with opioid analgesics. If the patient is easily arousable and the oxygen saturation is at normal levels, it is not necessary to apply oxygen, call the Rapid Response Team, or prepare to administer an opioid antagonist. If the patient's oxygen saturation level is acceptable and he or she is in pain, it is alright to give the next scheduled opioid dose. Checking the patient's normal respiratory rate is also a good idea. Most people have a usual respiratory rate that is at least 12 breaths per minute, but some patients may have a usual rate of only 10 breaths per minute. Although this is not a customary response and you should document it in the nursing notes, check other indicators of breathing adequacy before notifying the prescriber.
You might also like to view...
An adult patient has asked the nurse to recommend an OTC cold remedy because she is unsure which of the many options available is most appropriate. Before making a recommendation, the nurse should do which of the following?
A) Consult with a pharmacist or pharmacy technician. B) Assess the patient's understanding of the epidemiology of the common cold and upper respiratory infections. C) Assess the patient for health problems that may contraindicate the use of a particular remedy. D) Ensure that the patient has tried some of the more common herbal and natural remedies.
A home health nurse is planning care for an adult client being discharged from the hospital after experiencing complications of diabetes mellitus. The client requires an extensive dressing change twice a day, help with activities of daily living, and comp
The nurse is coordinating home visits from aides and therapists. Which role is the nurse assuming by coordinating this client's care? A) Health educator B) Case manager C) Collaborator D) Health promoter
What should the parents of an infant with thrush (oral candidiasis) be taught about medication administration?
a. Give nystatin suspension with a syringe without a needle. b. Apply nystatin cream to the affected area twice a day. c. Give nystatin before the infant is fed. d. Swab nystatin suspension onto the oral mucous membranes after feedings.
The nurse is developing the postoperative plan of care for a patient recovering from surgery for oral cancer. Which potential problem should the nurse identify as the priority for this patient?
A. Body image change B. Communication C. Airway maintenance D. Insufficient oral intake