A client with a history of sleep apnea has had a same-day surgery proc

A client with a history of sleep apnea has had a same-day surgery procedure that will require the administration of morphine postoperatively to manage pain.

This client will be assessed most appropriately by the perioperative nurse for the risk for respira-tory complications by frequently:
1. Listening to breath sounds
2. Monitoring pulse oximetry
3. Evaluating spirometer use
4. Counting respirations per minute

ANSWER

ANS: 1
Administration of opioids increases risk for airway obstruction postoperatively. Clients will de-saturate as revealed by a drop in oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry. The remaining options are not as specific for this particular client’s risk.