A post-surgical client is unresponsive to painful stimuli and is given naloxone. Within 5 minutes, the client is arousable and responds to verbal commands. One hour later, the client is again difficult to arouse, with minimal response to physical stimuli. Which actions should the nurse take? Select all that apply.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A client in the post-operative period that is unresponsive to painful stimuli is likely still under the effects of medications used during anesthesia. Using the opioid antagonist naloxone (Narcan) will temporarily reverse the effects of any opioid medications. Unfortunately, the half-life of naloxone is much shorter than most opioid medications, wearing off in 1-2 hours. The nurse should make repeat assessments of the post-surgical client's respiratory rate and administer prescribed oxygen for respiratory support. The health care provider should be notified and a second dose of naloxone should be prepared and administered as prescribed (either as a one-time dose or a continuous drip, depending on the prescription). (Option C) An overly sedated client is not an indication for a rapid response team. Although this intervention is unlikely to cause harm to the client, it is not necessary and may result in overuse of personnel resources. If additional information indicates a more serious situation (eg, respiratory rate <8 breaths/min, oxygen saturation <90%), it may be appropriate to initiate the emergency response system. Educational objective: Naloxone (Narcan) is usually prescribed as needed for post-surgical clients for over-sedation related to opioid use. The nurse should continue to monitor clients who are given naloxone with the understanding that the opioid antagonist has a shorter half-life than most of the opioids it is meant to counteract. As a result, a second dose of naloxone may be necessary.

A Post-Surgical Client Is Unresponsive to Painful Stimuli and Is