2024 PN NCLEX Questions Nursing Practice Question
A client is given an opiate drug for pain relief following general anesthesia. The client becomes extremely somnolent with respiratory depression. The physician is likely to order the administration of:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In cases of opiate-induced respiratory depression and excessive somnolence, naloxone (Narcan) is the appropriate choice, as it is an opioid antagonist that rapidly reverses the effects of opiates, restoring normal respiratory function.
Labetalol (B) is an antihypertensive medication that does not address respiratory depression. Neostigmine (C) is a cholinesterase inhibitor used for myasthenia gravis and does not counteract opiate effects. Thiothixene (D) is an antipsychotic that is irrelevant in this scenario, as it does not reverse opiate toxicity. Thus, naloxone is the only option that directly addresses the critical symptoms presented.