A patient with advanced cancer receiving palliative care becomes increasingly drowsy after opioid treatment. The respiratory rate is 7 per minute and the patient is difficult to arouse. Which action is the priority?
Correct answer: A. Assess airway and breathing, then seek urgent help
- A. Assess airway and breathing, then seek urgent help
- B. Give the next opioid dose to prevent pain
- C. Place the patient flat and leave the room
- D. Encourage the patient to walk to improve alertness
Explanation
Marked sedation and slow breathing suggest opioid-induced respiratory depression, so airway and breathing take priority. The opioid should be withheld and urgent clinical review obtained, with reversal treatment considered according to the prescription and protocol.
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About Oncology Nursing
Covers cancer biology, tumour staging, common malignancies and nursing care during surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and palliative treatment. It includes managing nausea, pain, fatigue, mucositis, neutropenia and extravasation, while distinguishing expected treatment effects from dangerous complications requiring urgent action.
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