Pain Management Nursing Practice Exam

The scenario involving the opioid-naïve adolescent with a fracture represents the highest risk for respiratory depression while on opioids due to several key factors associated with their lack of prior exposure to these medications. Opioid-naïve individuals are particularly vulnerable when introduced to opioids because they have no tolerance to the respiratory depressant effects of these drugs. Tolerance develops in individuals who have been on opioid therapy for an extended time, which can lead to a reduced risk of experiencing respiratory depression.

In the case of an adolescent, physiological differences, such as a smaller body mass, can also play a role in the heightened sensitivity to opioids compared to adults. This age group is still developing, and their respiratory systems may not handle the depressant effects of opioids as efficiently as those of older, more tolerant populations.

While older adults, individuals with a history of substance addiction, or those with advanced illnesses can have risks associated with opioid use, the adolescent who has never previously taken opioids is particularly at risk because they do not possess any inherent tolerance, making them more susceptible to the severe side effects, such as respiratory depression, that can occur with initial use.