Question

A patient receives an opioid drug that depresses the patient's respiratory rate. The nurse administers an antidote. This is an example of what type of effect?

A.Additive drug effect
B.Synergistic drug effect
C.Potentiating drug effect
D.Antagonistic drug effect

Answer 1

The administration of an antidote like naloxone to reverse the effects of opioids exemplifies an antagonistic drug effect, as it blocks the depressive effect on respiratory function caused by the opioid.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a patient receives an opioid drug that depresses their respiratory rate, and a nurse administers an antidote to reverse this effect, this scenario is demonstrating an antagonistic drug effect. Opioid drugs function by binding to specific receptors in the brain to reduce pain, but in doing so, they can also depress the respiratory system, which can lead to dangerous or life-threatening situations. Antidotes like naloxone (Narcan) are used to reverse these effects by competing with opioids for the same receptors, thereby blocking the effect of the opioids without producing any effects of their own when given to non-opioid-dependent individuals.