A nurse on the postoperative unit administers many opioid analgesics.What actions by the nurse are best to prevent unwanted sedation as a complication of these medications? (Select all that apply.)

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sedation is a side effect of opioid analgesics.Some sedation can be expected,but protecting the client against unwanted and dangerous sedation is a critical nursing responsibility.The nurse should identify clients at high risk for unwanted sedation and give the lowest possible dose that produces satisfactory pain control.Avoid using other sedating medications such as antihistamines to treat itching.An oximeter can alert the nurse to a decrease in the client's oxygen saturation,which often follows sedation.A postoperative client frequently needs to be awakened for pain medication in order to avoid waking to out-of-control pain later.

A Nurse on the Postoperative Unit Administers Many Opioid Analgesics