Question

A nurse is caring for an infant after a surgical procedure. After ensuring that the ordered dose is appropriate for the infant's age and weight, the nurse administers a narcotic analgesic intravenously. When assessing the infant 15 minutes later, the nurse notes respirations of 22 breaths/minute and a heart rate of 110 beats/minute. The infant is asleep in the parent's arms and does not awaken when vital signs are assessed. The nurse understands that these findings are the result of __________.

1) an allergic reaction to the medication.
2) immaturity of the blood-brain barrier in the infant.
3) toxic effects of the narcotic, requiring naloxone as an antidote.
4) unexpected side effects of medications in infants.

Answer 1

The respiratory and heart rate changes in the infant are due to the narcotic analgesic and its effects on the body, which include sedation and respiratory depression.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse notes that the infant has respirations of 22 breaths/minute and a heart rate of 110 beats/minute after administering a narcotic analgesic intravenously. The infant is asleep and does not awaken during vital sign assessment. These findings are a result of the narcotic analgesic, which can cause respiratory depression and sedation. The infant's body may be more sensitive to the effects of the medication due to its immaturity and inability to metabolize and eliminate the drug as efficiently as adults.