While caring for a patient with a new laryngectomy, the nurse is asked by the family why the patient cannot be given higher doses of narcotics. Which of the following responses by the nurse is best?
a. "Narcotics can depress the respiratory rate and cough reflex."
b. "Narcotics can increase respiratory tract secretions."
c. "Narcotics are constipating."
d. "Narcotics can be addicting."
ANS: A
It is important for patients with laryngectomies to be able to deep breathe and cough to clear the airway. Narcotics can depress the cough reflex. Narcotics can be addicting and constipating, but these are not reasons to withhold them from a patient who has just had surgery. Narcotics do not increase respiratory secretions.
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