A client is receiving opioid analgesia for pain control. The nurse is assessing the client for possible respiratory depression. Which method would be most reliable for the nurse to use to identify impending respiratory depression?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

End-tidal CO₂ is considered a highly reliable measure of the quality of ventilation and, unlike pulse oximetry, is an early indicator of impending respiratory depression. Although respiratory rate and lungs sounds help evaluate the client's respiratory status, they are not reliable indicators of impending respiratory depression.

A Client Is Receiving Opioid Analgesia for Pain Control