A client recovering from a nephrectomy received morphine sulfate in the post-anesthesia care unit. Current vital signs include blood pressure 124/64 mmHg, pulse 56 beats/min, respirations 8 per minute, and temperature 36.3C. Which medication should be given? The cardiac monitor displays the following rhythm.

Rationale: A. Atropine is used to treat symptomatic bradycardia, usually with heart rates <50 bpm and associated symptoms such as hypotension, dizziness, or syncope. While the client’s pulse is slightly low (56 bpm), the primary concern here is respiratory depression, not bradycardia. B. Meperidine is an opioid similar to morphine and would worsen the client’s respiratory depression. Administering this medication is contraindicated. C. Flumazenil is a benzodiazepine antagonist used to reverse sedation or overdose from benzodiazepines. The client’s sedation is due to morphine (an opioid), not a benzodiazepine, so flumazenil is ineffective. D. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist used to reverse opioid-induced respiratory depression, which is evidenced by respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min. Morphine administration postoperatively can suppress the respiratory drive, and immediate intervention is critical to prevent hypoxia and further complications. Naloxone should be administered slowly and titrated to restore adequate ventilation while minimizing sudden pain or withdrawal.