Final answer:
The correct nursing assessments for drugs like fentanyl are respiratory rate, blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation. These measurements are crucial for detecting the signs of overdose and respiratory depression which can be critical side effects of potent opioids.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nursing assessments for monitoring the effects of fentanyl and other potent synthetic opioids such as Remifentanil (Remi fent) and Sufentanil (sufent) would typically include respiratory rate, blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation. This corresponds to option 1) Respiratory rate, blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation. These assessments are critical because opioids can depress the central nervous system, resulting in decreased respiratory rate, and thus lower oxygen levels, which can be life-threatening.
Opioids like fentanyl are very potent and have a high risk for overdose and respiratory depression. It is essential to monitor physiological signs such as the respiratory rate because a significant drop could indicate overdose and may require immediate medical intervention. Blood pressure and heart rate are also important as they can signify the drug's effects on the cardiovascular system. Oxygen saturation is a direct measure of how well the blood is being oxygenated and is an important indicator of respiratory function.