0200. Post-op day 1. Morphine PCA.
Was talking earlier. Now very drowsy, hard to rouse, snoring respirations.
Family: "I pressed her button. She looked uncomfortable."
◀ All casesCase 2 of 8
Case 2 · PCA opioid safety
Pressed for Her
Bedside monitorLive
RR8
SpO288% 2L
HR62
BP104/64
What do you do?
Answer: C) Stop the PCA and escalate now
Stop the PCA and escalate NOW. Call rapid response.
Stay with her. Rouse her, raise the head of bed, support the airway and O2. Naloxone per your protocol/orders.
WHY: Sedation comes BEFORE respiratory depression. Snoring + hard to rouse + RR 8 = opioid overdose until proven otherwise.
RememberPCA = PATIENT-controlled. Only she presses the button.