What it means
Too much sedation, most often from opioids, benzodiazepines or a combination. Deepening sleepiness usually comes before slowed or stopped breathing (respiratory depression), so a rising sedation level is the early warning. Older adults, clients new to opioids, those with sleep apnea and those on several sedating drugs are at highest risk.
For the nurse
Check sedation level with a scale such as the Pasero Opioid-induced Sedation Scale, along with respiratory rate, depth and oxygen saturation. If the client is frequently drowsy or drifts off mid-sentence, hold the opioid, stimulate the client and report; give naloxonenuh-LOK-sohnA drug that blocks the effects of opioids at their receptors.Full entry as ordered if breathing is slow.
At a glance
| Also written | oversedated |
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Related terms
opioid analgesic
A strong drug that relieves moderate to severe pain by acting on the brain and spinal cord.
sedation
A calm, relaxed or sleepy state brought on by drugs, or the use of drugs to cause it.
naloxone
A drug that blocks the effects of opioids at their receptors.
rousable
Able to be woken up.