Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 75%
Simulated
An older adult client receives a dose of hydromorphone 4 mg and hydroxyzine 25 mg IM one hour after returning from the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). Which assessment finding should prompt the practical nurse (PN) to administer a PRN dose of naloxone?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
A respiratory rate of 8 breaths/minute indicates severe respiratory depression, a life-threatening side effect of opioid analgesics like hydromorphone, requiring immediate administration of naloxone.