Question

An elderly client with abdominal surgery is admitted to the unit following surgery. In anticipation of complications of anesthesia and narcotic administration, the nurse should: A. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula B. Have Narcan (naloxane) available C. Prepare to administer blood products D. Prepare to do cardioresuscitation

Short answer

Answer: B. Have Narcan (naloxane) available

Step-by-step solution

Analyze option A - Administer oxygen via nasal cannula

Administering oxygen via nasal cannula can help maintain oxygen saturation in the patient and can be appropriate when the patient has difficulty breathing or low oxygen saturation levels. However, this option is not directly related to preventing complications due to anesthesia and narcotic administration.

Analyze option B - Have Narcan (naloxane) available

Having Narcan (naloxane) available is essential as it is an opioid antagonist that counteracts the effects of opioids, especially in cases of overdose. Since the patient has undergone surgery and has been administered anesthesia and narcotics, it would be a good precaution to have Narcan available to counteract any potential complications.

Analyze option C - Prepare to administer blood products

Preparing to administer blood products may be essential in some surgeries if the patient has lost a significant amount of blood or if the patient has a condition that requires transfusion. However, this option is not specifically related to preventing complications due to anesthesia and narcotic administration.

Analyze option D - Prepare to do cardioresuscitation

Preparing to perform cardioresuscitation is important in cases where the patient may experience cardiac arrest or collapse. However, it is a general precaution and not directly related to preventing complications from anesthesia and narcotic administration.

Choose the most appropriate option

Based on the analysis, option B (having Narcan available) is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take in anticipation of complications related to anesthesia and narcotic administration. Narcan helps in counteracting the effects of opioids and is directly related to the situation. So the correct answer is: B. Have Narcan (naloxane) available

Key concepts

Nursing Interventions

Nursing interventions are crucial actions taken by nurses to improve patient outcomes, especially during the postoperative phase. These interventions are designed to minimize complications, promote healing, and ensure patient comfort. For example, assessing vital signs frequently can help detect early signs of distress. Moreover, administering medications, such as Narcan (naloxone), is an intervention to quickly address narcotic-induced respiratory depression, which can be a critical complication after surgery where opioids are used for pain management.
Nursing interventions also include monitoring for signs of bleeding, infection, and ensuring that the patient adheres to therapeutic regimens such as deep breathing exercises or ambulation to prevent clots and promote lung expansion. Effective collaboration with the healthcare team and assessing the need for additional resources, such as physical therapy, also play a vital role in patient recovery.

Postoperative Care

Postoperative care is the attention given to patients after surgical procedures, and it starts immediately after the surgery in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). The goal of postoperative care is to avoid complications such as infections, promote healing, and return to the patient’s baseline functioning. Key aspects of postoperative care include pain management, wound care, fluid management to maintain hydration and electrolyte balance, and monitoring for signs of complications related to anesthesia, such as nausea, vomiting, or respiratory depression.
Nurses play a pivotal role in educating patients on postoperative instructions, like the importance of early mobilization, wound care instructions, and use of incentive spirometry for lung health. Encouraging patients to communicate about their pain levels allows for timely interventions that can prevent acute pain from becoming chronic.

Anesthesia Complications

Complications from anesthesia are potential risks associated with surgical procedures that require sedation or pain relief. These complications can range from minor issues such as sore throat or nausea to more serious conditions like postoperative delirium, cognitive dysfunction, or respiratory failure. In particular, older adults or those with underlying health conditions may be more susceptible to these complications.
Nurses must be vigilant in recognizing signs of anesthesia complications, such as changes in mental status, hypoxia, hypotension, or allergic reactions. The immediate availability of emergency drugs like Narcan (naloxone), which reverses the effects of opioids, can be lifesaving when respiratory depression occurs due to narcotics used during surgery. In addition, managing other potential risks associated with anesthesia, including maintaining patient warmth, proper positioning to avoid nerve damage, and careful monitoring during the recovery phase, are integral aspects of nursing care to mitigate risks associated with operative procedures.