Question

A physician put a postoperative patient on a patient-controlled opioid analgesic pump to be used around the clock for a week. Which assessment should the nurse make at regular intervals?

1. Liver enzymes
2. Blood pressure
3. Respiratory rate
4. Body temperature

Answer 1

The most critical regular assessment for a patient on a patient-controlled opioid analgesic pump is the option 3) respiratory rate, due to the risk of life-threatening respiratory depression posed by opioids.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a patient is placed on a patient-controlled opioid analgesic pump postoperatively, it is important for the nurse to make regular assessments to ensure patient safety and proper recovery. Among the options provided, the most critical assessment that should be made at regular intervals is the respiratory rate. Opioid analgesics, while effective for pain control, pose a risk of respiratory depression, which can be life-threatening if not promptly recognized and managed.

While liver enzymes, blood pressure, and body temperature are important indicators of a patient's condition, the imminent risk associated with opioid use is respiratory compromise. Hence, the nurse should meticulously monitor the patient's respiratory function and respond immediately to any signs of slowed or labored breathing.Therefore, the correct answer is option 3. Respiratory rate.