Which adverse effect of opioids requires close monitoring due to the risk of respiratory depression?

Which adverse effect of opioids requires close monitoring due to the risk of respiratory depression?

• A. Respiratory depression
• B. Sedation
• C. Constipation
• D. Hypotension

Answer: (A)

Opioids slow the brain’s drive to breathe by acting on receptors in the brainstem, so respiratory depression is the adverse effect that requires the closest, continuous monitoring. Because ventilation can drop quickly, nurses watch breathing rate and depth, level of consciousness, and oxygen saturation right after giving an opioid and with any dose changes. If respirations become very slow or shallow or oxygen saturation falls, intervene promptly: hold further doses, stimulate breathing as appropriate, support airway and ventilation, and follow guidelines for naloxone administration if available. Other common opioid effects like sedation, constipation, or low blood pressure may occur, but they do not pose the immediate, life-threatening risk to ventilation in the same direct way as respiratory depression.

Opioids slow the brain’s drive to breathe by acting on receptors in the brainstem, so respiratory depression is the adverse effect that requires the closest, continuous monitoring. Because ventilation can drop quickly, nurses watch breathing rate and depth, level of consciousness, and oxygen saturation right after giving an opioid and with any dose changes. If respirations become very slow or shallow or oxygen saturation falls, intervene promptly: hold further doses, stimulate breathing as appropriate, support airway and ventilation, and follow guidelines for naloxone administration if available.

Other common opioid effects like sedation, constipation, or low blood pressure may occur, but they do not pose the immediate, life-threatening risk to ventilation in the same direct way as respiratory depression.