What should the nurse assess for in a patient receiving naloxone?

In a patient receiving naloxone, the nurse should assess for signs of withdrawal. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist, meaning it works by blocking the effects of opioids. When administered to someone who is dependent on opioids, naloxone can precipitate withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms may include agitation, nausea, vomiting, increased heart rate, tremors, and other manifestations of opioid withdrawal. Monitoring for these signs is crucial, especially as the patient may experience significant discomfort during the withdrawal process.

The other options, such as paralytic ileus, hypoglycemia, and hypotension, while important considerations in various clinical scenarios, are not direct consequences of naloxone administration. Paralytic ileus is more associated with opioid use rather than withdrawal. Hypoglycemia is generally related to insulin and diabetic medications, while hypotension can occur due to numerous factors unrelated to the withdrawal process following naloxone administration. Therefore, the focus on signs of withdrawal is key in managing a patient receiving naloxone.