A postoperative patient who received morphine is given naloxone for respiratory depression. After naloxone administration, what should the nurse do next?

• A. Discontinue monitoring after naloxone is given.
• B. Increase oxygen delivery without monitoring.
• C. Monitor respirations and oxygen saturation closely after naloxone; be prepared for potential re-sedation.
• D. Withhold further naloxone dosing.

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that reversing opioid-induced respiratory depression requires ongoing monitoring because naloxone works quickly but may wear off before the opioid does. After giving naloxone, the patient can relapse into apnea as the drug’s effect wanes, so continuous assessment of breathing and oxygenation is essential, with readiness to intervene if respiration deteriorates again. This means closely watching respirations, using continuous pulse oximetry, and being prepared to provide supplemental oxygen or resupport (including additional naloxone doses or ventilation) as dictated by the patient’s response and institutional protocol. Discontinuing monitoring, increasing oxygen without monitoring, or withholding further naloxone would miss potential recurrence of respiratory depression.