Reduction of Risk PotentialQuestion 644 of 2368
A client received naloxone for opioid-induced respiratory depression, and breathing improved. Why must the nurse continue to monitor the client closely?
- Naloxone can cause permanent respiratory failure if given too quickly
- Naloxone wears off sooner than the opioid, so respiratory depression may return
- Naloxone lasts longer than the opioid and may cause prolonged oversedation
- Naloxone makes the opioid ineffective for the next 24 hours of therapy
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Correct answer: Naloxone can cause permanent respiratory failure if given too quickly
Naloxone wears off before many opioids, so repeated doses are usually necessary and the client needs ongoing assessment.
Source: Nursing Pharmacology, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Analgesics & Musculoskeletal System: Naloxone (Narcan). Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Reduction of Risk Potential"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026