A patient who is prescribed promethazine (Phenergan)currently has a respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min when it is time to give the next dose.What is your most important action?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Respiratory depression (decreased drive for breathing)is a life-threatening adverse effect that can occur with several antiemetic drugs,including promethazine.You must be sure to monitor the patient's respiratory rate after administering this drug and report a decrease in respiratory rate to the prescriber.The drug should be held because a respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min is very low.Raising the head of the bed,checking oxygen saturation,and applying oxygen are all good treatment strategies for the low respiratory rate,but the most important action is to notify the prescriber and hold the drug to prevent further respiratory depression.

A Patient Who Is Prescribed Promethazine (Phenergan)currently Has a Respiratory