Question

A postpartum nurse is caring for a client with an epidural catheter in place for opioid analgesic administration following cesarean birth. The client develops respiratory depression and requires naloxone administration. Which finding should the nurse anticipate as a result of the naloxone administration?

a) Bradycardia
b) Decrease in sensation
c) Increase in pain level
d) Sudden onset of itching

Answer 1

After the administration of naloxone to a postpartum client with respiratory depression from opioid analgesic use, the nurse should anticipate an increase in the client's pain level.

Step-by-step explanation:

When caring for a postpartum client who develops respiratory depression due to the administration of an opioid analgesic following a cesarean birth, the administration of naloxone is indicated. As an opioid antagonist, naloxone will reverse the effects of the opioid, particularly the respiratory depression. However, because naloxone also antagonizes the analgesic effects of opioids, the nurse should anticipate an increase in pain level in the client as a result of the naloxone administration. Naloxone works by displacing opioids from their receptors, which can precipitate an abrupt return of pain if the opioids are providing analgesia.