A pregnant woman who is having labor pains is receiving an opioid analgesic. Which of the following medications should be ready in case a respiratory depression occurs?
A. oxycodone (Oxycontin)
B. naloxone (Narcan)
C. meperidine hydrochloride (Demerol)
D. morphine sulfate (Roxanol)
Correct Answer: B. naloxone (Narcan)
Opioid analgesics are prescribed for pregnant women who are experiencing moderate to severe labor pains. Respiratory depression may occur as a sign of opioid toxicity. Naloxone (Narcan) is an opioid antagonist, which reverses the effects of opioid toxicity such as respiratory depression.
Options A, C, & D: These are opioid analgesics.