Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 84%
Simulated
Which nursing intervention has priority when initiating a continuous epidural infusion with an opioid analgesic?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
Opioids in epidural infusions risk respiratory depression. Applying a pulse oximeter monitors oxygen saturation, enabling early detection of hypoxia, prioritizing safety. Catheters, antiemetics, or stool softeners address secondary concerns like urinary retention, nausea, or constipation.