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Opioid-Induced Respiratory Depression — NCLEX Cheat Sheet

RR < 8-10 = give naloxone

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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-Induced Respiratory Depression on the NCLEX. Keep it handy during review and on exam day!

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Signs

What to look for

↓RR, shallow breaths first
Sedation BEFORE ↓SpO2
Pinpoint pupils, cyanosis

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Do

Nursing actions

Stimulate, O2, head tilt
Naloxone 0.4mg IV, titrate

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Avoid

Key facts

Full naloxone dose → acute withdrawal
Stacking opioid doses

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Watch

What to look for

Naloxone half-life < opioid
Re-sedation → repeat doses

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Quick Tip

Sedation increases before respiratory rate falls, so monitoring level of consciousness is the key early assessment.

📖 Related Topics

Digoxin Toxicity Heparin Therapy Warfarin Therapy Acetaminophen Poisoning in Children

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