Marichu was given morphine sulfate for pain. She is sleeping and her respiratory rate is 4 breaths/minute. If action isn’t taken quickly, she might have which of the following reactions?
A. Asthma attack
B. Respiratory arrest
C. Seizure
D. Wake up on her own
Correct Answer: B. Respiratory arrest
Narcotics can cause respiratory arrest if given in large quantities.
Option A: The client’s respiratory system is most likely being suppressed, so an acute asthma attack would be unlikely. In an asthma attack, the airways become swollen and inflamed. The muscles around the airways contract and the airways produce extra mucus, causing the breathing (bronchial) tubes to narrow.
Option C: A seizure is not likely to occur in the situation. Seizures are mostly caused by paroxysmal discharges from groups of neurons, which arise as a result of excessive excitation or loss of inhibition.
Option D: The client’s respiratory rate is too low and she might be going into a respiratory arrest. Respiratory depression happens when the lungs fail to exchange carbon dioxide and oxygen efficiently. This dysfunction leads to a buildup of carbon dioxide in the body, which can result in health complications.