Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 82%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing respiratory depression after taking an excessive dose of oxycodone. Which of the following medications should the nurse expect to administer?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct answer is A: Naloxone. Naloxone is a medication used to reverse opioid-induced respiratory depression by acting as a competitive antagonist at opioid receptors. By administering naloxone, the nurse can quickly reverse the effects of the excessive dose of oxycodone and restore the client's breathing. Bisacodyl (B) is a laxative and would not be appropriate for respiratory depression. Flumazenil (C) is used for benzodiazepine overdose, not opioid overdose. Pentazocine (D) is an opioid analgesic and would exacerbate respiratory depression.