Question

A client is in active labor 90% effaced, 7 cm dilated with the vertex presenting at 2+ station, complains of pain and asks for medication. Which medication would the nurse anticipate causing respiratory depression in the newborn?

Naloxone
Lorazepam
Meperidine
Promethazine

Answer 1

Meperidine

Step-by-step explanation:

Meperidine is an opioid analgesic, and opioids can cross the placenta, potentially affecting the baby. When opioids are administered to the mother during labor, they can lead to respiratory depression in the newborn because they can depress the baby's central nervous system. This can result in the baby having difficulty breathing after birth.