The client has taken an overdose of an opioid. The nurse knows the client must be carefully observed for which effect on respirations?

A. Irritating cough. Opioid agonists do not typically cause an irritating cough. In fact, opioids like codeine are used as antitussives to suppress cough reflexes.
B. Tachypnea. Opioids depress the central nervous system, leading to respiratory depression rather than an increased respiratory rate (tachypnea). The nurse should monitor for bradypnea instead.
C. Hypertension. Opioids commonly cause hypotension due to vasodilation and central nervous system depression. Hypertension is not a typical adverse effect.
D. Urinary retention. Opioids can increase sphincter tone and suppress the urge to void, leading to urinary retention. This is a known side effect and should be monitored, especially in older adults or those with underlying bladder issues.

A. 40-year-old with a pulse of 88. A resting pulse of 88 beats per minute is within the normal adult range (60–100 bpm) and does not require further assessment.
B. 18-year-old with a pulse rate of 140 after riding 2 miles on an exercise bike. An increased heart rate after exercise is a normal physiological response, and the heart rate should return to baseline after rest. No further assessment is needed unless tachycardia persists.
C. 50-year-old man with a BP of 112/60 mmHg on awakening in the morning. This blood pressure is within a normal range, especially in the early morning when BP is often lower. No additional assessment is required.
D. 65-year-old with a respiratory rate of 10/min. A normal respiratory rate for an adult is 12–20 breaths per minute. A respiratory rate of 10 is lower than normal and may indicate respiratory depression, which could be caused by medications such as opioids, neurological issues, or other conditions requiring further evaluation.