Question

A nurse is assessing a client who is receiving morphine via IV bolus for pain following a C-section. The nurse notes a respiratory rate of 8/min. Which of the following medications should be administered?

A) Naloxone.
B) Diazepam.
C) Furosemide.
D) Lorazepam.

Answer 1

In the case of a client experiencing respiratory depression from morphine following a C-section, Naloxone should be administered to reverse the effects. Diazepam, Furosemide, and Lorazepam are not appropriate medications for this situation.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse is assessing a client who is receiving morphine via IV bolus for pain following a C-section. If the nurse notes a respiratory rate of 8/min, which is considered respiratory depression, the appropriate medication to administer is Naloxone. Naloxone is an opiate antagonist that rapidly reverses the effects of morphine, including respiratory depression, without producing effects such as analgesia or euphoria when given to individuals not dependent on narcotics. It is especially important in scenarios of acute narcotic intoxication or overdose.

Other medications such as Diazepam, Furosemide, and Lorazepam are not suitable in this case. Diazepam and Lorazepam are benzodiazepines, which can further depress the central nervous system, potentially worsening the situation by causing additional respiratory depression. Furosemide is a diuretic and would not address the respiratory depression induced by morphine overdose.