Medical-surgical unit · Fictional client
Increasing Sedation After Postoperative Opioid Analgesia
A client is postoperative day 1 after abdominal surgery and has been receiving scheduled opioid analgesia for pain control. The client was easily arousable and comfortable at the last check.
Review status: Draft. This NCLEX-PN content has not been reviewed by a licensed nursing professional. LPN/VN scope of practice varies by state, setting and facility policy; always follow your program, your state's nurse practice act and your facility's policies.
What this case practices
- Using a sedation scale to detect opioid-induced sedation
- Monitoring respiratory status during opioid therapy
- Holding the opioid and escalating care promptly
- Evaluating the response after naloxone is given per order
Educational Use & Safety
Educational exam preparation only. Questions and case studies use fictional clients and teach general nursing concepts. They are not medical advice and do not determine care for an actual patient. Always follow current clinical guidance, provider orders, and your program's and facility's policies.
Educational Use & Safety