Final answer:
The nurse may monitor for constipation, nausea and vomiting, and respiratory depression as side effects of opioid agonist-antagonists, and could administer naloxone in case of severe respiratory depression, or methadone or buprenorphine for withdrawal symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a nurse is concerned that a patient is experiencing side effects from opioid agonist-antagonists, they may inquire or monitor for symptoms such as constipation, nausea and vomiting, and respiratory depression. These side effects are common with opioids due to their effect on the gastrointestinal system and the central nervous system.
Opioid agonist-antagonists can also lead to withdrawal symptoms in patients who have developed physical dependence. The nurse might consider administration of medications like naloxone (Narcan) to reverse the effects of opioids if symptoms like respiratory depression are severe. In case of withdrawal symptoms, treatment options might include methadone or buprenorphine to manage the withdrawal process in a safer and more controlled manner.