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Respiratory rate
🫁Opioids like meperidine depress respiratory drive, making assessment of respiratory rate the most critical pre-dose safety check.
🛑A low rate (e.g., <12 breaths/min) signals risk for hypoventilation and possible need to hold the dose and notify the provider.
🩺While changes in level of consciousness can occur, inadequate ventilation threatens oxygenation first, aligning with ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation).
📉Early identification of respiratory depression allows timely interventions such as dose adjustment, stimulation, or naloxone if indicated.
📌Core Message
In clients receiving opioids, prioritizing respiratory rate upholds airway/breathing first (ABCs) because respiratory depression is the most immediate life-threatening risk.
This question is from RN ATI Pharmacology 2019 Exam-1 which contains 41 questions.
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