Question

Your obese patient had abdominal surgery and was admitted post-op to your floor. He has a history of obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension and hyperlipidemia. You have given him an IV narcotic for incisional pain and 45 minutes later his respirations are 10 and shallow. His O2 sats remain unchanged at 94% but he is sleepy and his face is flushed. When you wake him up he says feels hot and can’t seem to get enough air. What would you assess him for and what interventions would you institute to address his complaints

Answer 1

1) Assess for overdose of narcotics . Stop the infusion as it is causing shallow breathing with rate less than 12 and hot flushes can be a symptom of air hunger .

2)/Assess his vitals (temperature, saturation, and respiration)

3)Provide him supplemental oxygen preferably reservoir O2 to prevent hypoxia.

4) Position him in semi fowlers to facilitate breathing

5) Do not leave the patient alone , inform the doctor immediately.

6) Prepare for naloxone antidote and prepare for emergency resuscitation if required.