The nurse assumes care of a patient in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). The patient had abdominal surgery and is receiving intravenous morphine sulfate for pain. The patient is asleep and has not voided since prior to surgery
The nurse assesses a respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute and notes hypoactive bowel sounds. The nurse will contact the surgeon to report which condition?
a. Paralytic ileus
b. Respiratory depression
c. Somnolence
d. Urinary retention
ANS: B
The patient's respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute is lower than normal and is a sign of respiratory depression, which is a common adverse effect of opioid analgesics. The other effects may occur with opioids but are also not expected this soon after abdominal surgery.
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