Reduction of Risk PotentialQuestion 751 of 2368

A client with an epidural infusion has a respiratory rate of 6 breaths per minute. Which action should the nurse take?

  1. Slow the infusion and recheck in 30 minutes
  2. Stop the infusion and notify the provider
  3. Reposition the client painful side down
  4. Give atropine and continue the infusion
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Correct answer: Stop the infusion and notify the provider

A rate below eight breaths per minute signals respiratory depression. The infusion is stopped and the provider is notified.

Source: Nursing Advanced Skills (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Initiate IV Therapy: Epidural. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Reduction of Risk Potential"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026