A labor patient, gravida 2, para 1, at term has received meperidine (Demerol) for pain control during labor. Her most recent dose was 15 minutes ago and birth is now imminent. Maternal vital signs have been stable and the EFM tracing has not shown any baseline changes. Which medication does the nurse anticipate would be required in the birth room for administration?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Because birth is imminent, and considering that the patient has had a recent dose of narcotics, the nurse anticipates that naloxone (Narcan) will be administered to the newborn to combat the effects of the opioid. Although Pitocin will be given following birth of the placenta, the newborn will be delivered prior to that and will receive priority intervention. Parlodel is not typically given in the labor and birth area any more. It was previously used to suppress lactation. At present, there is no need for the administration of oxygen because there is no evidence that the mother is showing any signs of respiratory depression.

A Labor Patient, Gravida 2, Para 1, at Term Has