Which client is at greatest risk for respiratory depression when receiving opioids for pain control?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The following are at greatest risk for respiratory depression related to opioid use for analgesia: the elderly; those with underlying pulmonary disease, history of snoring (with or without apnea), obesity, or smoking (more than 20-pack-year history); the opiate naïve, especially if treated for acute pain; and post surgery (first 24 hours). The 70-year old client has 3 significant risk factors: advanced age, COPD, and surgery within 24 hours. COPD clients who have hypercarbia and hypoxemia are at even greater risk for respiratory depression when receiving opioids. (Option A) This client has 1 risk factor, pulmonary disease. (Option B) This client has 1 risk factor, surgery within 24 hours. His addiction to heroin gives him a higher tolerance for opioids. (Option C) This client has 1 risk factor, sleep apnea. Educational objective: Factors that increase risk for respiratory depression related to opioid use for pain control include advanced age, underlying pulmonary disease, snoring, obesity, smoking, opiate naïve, and surgery.

Which Client Is at greatest Risk for Respiratory Depression When