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RN Nursing · Opioid Analgesic Medications · Practice question

A nurse is assessing a client who received hydromorphone 4 mg IV 15 min ago. The client has a respiratory rate of 10/min. The nurse should prepare to administer which of the following medications?

Answer & explanation

Correct: Naloxone

Hydromorphone is an opioid analgesic. A respiratory rate of 10/min indicates opioid-induced respiratory depression, which is a life-threatening adverse effect. Naloxone (Narcan) is the opioid antagonist used to reverse opioid toxicity by competitively binding to opioid receptors. Protamine is the antidote for heparin overdose. Flumazenil is the antidote for benzodiazepine overdose. Acetylcysteine is the antidote for acetaminophen overdose. Recognizing the relationship between the opioid administered and respiratory depression directs the nurse to select the correct reversal agent (ATI Pharmacology; Karch, Focus on Nursing Pharmacology).

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