Author Question: The nurse prepares to give a patient the next scheduled dose of an opioid analgesic. The patient ... (Read 229 times)

evelyn o bentley · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

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.

Question 2

Which antidysrhythmic drugs may be given by the endotracheal tube route? (Select all that apply.)

a. atropine (Atropine Sulfate)
b. digoxin (Lanoxin)
c. epinephrine (Adrenalin)
d. lidocaine (Xylocaine)
e. procainamide (Pronestyl)

frre432 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

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.

Answer to Question 2

A, C, D
Use the acronym NAVEL to remember which drugs may be given by endotracheal tube: narcan, atropine, Valium, epinephrine, and lidocaine.