A nurse is caring for an infant after a surgical procedure. After ensuring that the ordered dose is appropriate for the infant's age and weight,the nurse administers a narcotic analgesic intravenously. When assessing the infant 15 minutes later,the nurse notes respirations of 22 breaths per minute and a heart rate of 110 beats per minute. The infant is asleep in the parent's arms and does not awaken when vital signs are assessed. The nurse understands that these findings are the result of:

Question

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The blood-brain barrier is not as well developed in infants,making them more susceptible to CNS effects of medications. This assessment of the patient reveals no signs of an allergic reaction. Although this infant is somnolent,the vital signs are stable,so toxicity is not a concern. CNS effects are not unexpected with narcotic analgesics,but they may be more pronounced in infants.

A Nurse Is Caring for an Infant After a Surgical