23rd February 2024

A 54 year old male has returned to the surgical ward after an operation for a complex fracture of his left arm.

A 54 year old male has returned to the surgical ward after an operation for a complex fracture of his left arm. The surgery was completed under a general anaesthetic and no complications were experienced. In recovery his observations were stable and he was given 4 mg of Ondansetron IV, 7.5mg of Morphine Sulfate IV and 1g of Paracetamol IV. The nurse caring for this patient asks you to review him as she is finding it difficult to rouse him and is concerned about his respiratory rate: HR 97 BP 125/94 Temp 36.4 RR 10 O2 saturations 95% on air. After performing an A-E, you are not concerned regarding the patient’s airway and feel their GCS is appropriate. Please prescribe the most appropriate drug given this scenario.