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Opioid Analgesics and Naloxone — NCLEX Cheat Sheet

RR < 12 → hold opioid

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👤 By the CinnaRN Clinical Content Team 🕐 Updated 2026-07-11 🏷️ Pharmacological Therapies 🔖 Free to read, print, and share

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Use this quick-reference guide to spot, treat, and prevent Opioid Analgesics and Naloxone on the NCLEX. Keep it handy during review and on exam day!

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Meds

Key numbers

Morphine, hydromorphone, fentanyl
Naloxone = reversal antidote

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Signs

What to look for

Resp depression, sedation
Pinpoint pupils, ↓ BP, constipation

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Do

Nursing actions

Monitor RR before + after dose
Bowel regimen, fall precautions

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Report

Notify / act now

RR < 12 → hold, naloxone ready
Naloxone short-acting → re-sedation

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Quick Tip

Respiratory depression is the most serious adverse effect and is the priority assessment before and after dosing.

📖 Related Topics

Digoxin Toxicity Heparin Therapy Warfarin Therapy Acetaminophen Poisoning in Children

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