Comprehensive Nursing Pharmacology Q 262

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A pregnant woman who is having labor pains is receiving an opioid analgesic. Which of the following medications should be ready in case a respiratory depression occurs?

  

     A. oxycodone (Oxycontin)

     B. naloxone (Narcan)

     C. meperidine hydrochloride (Demerol)

     D. morphine sulfate (Roxanol)

    

    

Correct Answer: B. naloxone (Narcan)

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Opioid analgesics are prescribed for pregnant women who are experiencing moderate to severe labor pains. Respiratory depression may occur as a sign of opioid toxicity. Naloxone (Narcan) is an opioid antagonist, which reverses the effects of opioid toxicity such as respiratory depression.

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Options A, C, & D: These are opioid analgesics.

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