A patient on a morphine patient-controlled analgesic (PCA) IV pump has a respiratory rate of 8, and is difficult to arouse. Which of the following would be the priority intervention?
1. Administering activated charcoal
2. Lowering the dose of morphine
3. Administering a medication that blocks mu and kappa receptors
4. Intubation and mechanical ventilation
Correct Answer: 3
Rationale: Administering the opioid antagonist naloxone (Narcan) is indicated in the given situation. Lowering the dose is not aggressive enough, and intubation is too aggressive. Activated charcoal is not indicated for an overdose that has occurred via the IV route.
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