Author Question: A postoperative patient has received an epidural infusion of morphine sulfate. The patient's ... (Read 54 times)

Destiiny22 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A postoperative patient has received an epidural infusion of morphine sulfate. The patient's respiratory rate decreases to 8 breaths per minute, and he has a decreased level of consciousness and miosis.

Which medication would the nurse anticipate administering?
a. Naloxone (Narcan)
b. Acetylcysteine (Mucomyst)
c. Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
d. Physostigmine (Antilirium)

Question 2

A woman in labor receives meperidine (Demerol) for pain. The nurse caring for the infant will observe the infant closely for:

a. congenital anomalies.
b. excessive crying and sneezing.
c. respiratory depression.
d. tremors and hyperreflexia.

softEldritch · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Narcan is an opioid antagonist and would counteract the apparent toxicity. Acetylcysteine is the antidote for acetaminophen poisoning. Methylprednisolone is an anti-inflammatory agent and would not have an effect on toxicity related to opiate overdose. Physostigmine is indicated for organophosphate poisoning.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Use of morphine or other opioids during delivery can cause respiratory depression in the neonate, because the drug crosses the placenta. Infants should be monitored for respiratory depression and receive naloxone if needed. Opioids given during delivery do not contribute to birth defects in the newborn. Excessive crying and sneezing and tremors and hyperreflexia are all signs of neonatal opioid dependence, which occurs with long-term opioid use by the mother during pregnancy and not with short-term use of these drugs during labor.