Question

1. A patient on an intravenous opioid analgesic has become apneic. The nurse should implement which interventions? Place the interventions in order from the highest priority (first intervention) to the lowest priority (last intervention).

a. Place the patient on continuous pulse oximetry to assess SaO2.
b. Administer the prescribed naloxone (Narcan) dose by slow IV push.
c. Ensure oxygen is available.
d. Prepare to calm the child as analgesia is reversed.

Answer 1

The highest priority interventions for a patient on an intravenous opioid analgesic who has become apneic are ensuring oxygen is available, administering naloxone, and monitoring oxygen saturation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The highest priority intervention for a patient on an intravenous opioid analgesic who has become apneic is to ensure oxygen is available. Ensuring a patient's airway is open and providing oxygen is crucial for their immediate safety and well-being. The next priority intervention would be to administer the prescribed naloxone (Narcan) dose by slow IV push to reverse the analgesia and respiratory depression caused by the opioid. Once the naloxone is administered and the patient's breathing is stabilized, the nurse can then place the patient on continuous pulse oximetry to assess SaO2. This allows for ongoing monitoring of the patient's oxygen saturation levels.