RN Exam Practice
Pharmacological and Parenteral TherapiesQuestion 1107 of 2368

A client in advanced labor has a prescription for an IV opioid, and the nurse determines that birth is imminent. Which action is most appropriate?

  1. Give the opioid as prescribed because pain relief always comes first
  2. Give the opioid by rapid IV push so it clears before the birth
  3. Give double the prescribed dose so its effects wear off sooner
  4. Withhold the opioid because it can cause neonatal respiratory depression
Show answer

Correct answer: Withhold the opioid because it can cause neonatal respiratory depression

Opioids cross the placenta and can depress the newborn's breathing, so the nurse may hold the dose near birth.

Source: Nursing Health Promotion (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2025), Labor & Delivery Care: Analgesics. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026