In response to the order for Stadol (butorphanol tartrate) for Susan, which action is indicated?

In response to the order for Stadol (butorphanol tartrate) for Susan, which action is indicated?

• A. Question the order for Stadol because Susan is within one hour of delivery
• B. Administer the Stadol (butorphanol tartrate) as ordered
• C. Question the order for Stadol because the dosage is too high
• D. Administer Stadol after delivery

Answer: (B)

Pain relief during labor is typically provided with opioid analgesics like Stadol (butorphanol tartrate) when the clinician determines it’s appropriate for the labor situation. The correct approach is to give the medication as ordered, assuming there are no contraindications and the mother and fetus are being monitored. Butorphanol can relieve contractions and distress during labor, and compared with pure opioids it may have a lower risk of profound respiratory depression, but it can still affect the newborn if given too close to delivery. So the nurse should administer the dose as prescribed and then vigilantly monitor the mother’s respiratory rate, level of sedation, blood pressure, and fetal heart rate. Be prepared to manage any signs of maternal oversedation or fetal/neonatal distress and document the response to the medication. Delaying administration, or questioning the order solely because delivery is near or due to the dosage, isn’t indicated if the provider has assessed the situation and chosen Stadol as appropriate. After delivery, pain relief needs may shift, but during labor the planned analgesia serves the patient’s comfort and labor progress.

Pain relief during labor is typically provided with opioid analgesics like Stadol (butorphanol tartrate) when the clinician determines it’s appropriate for the labor situation. The correct approach is to give the medication as ordered, assuming there are no contraindications and the mother and fetus are being monitored. Butorphanol can relieve contractions and distress during labor, and compared with pure opioids it may have a lower risk of profound respiratory depression, but it can still affect the newborn if given too close to delivery. So the nurse should administer the dose as prescribed and then vigilantly monitor the mother’s respiratory rate, level of sedation, blood pressure, and fetal heart rate. Be prepared to manage any signs of maternal oversedation or fetal/neonatal distress and document the response to the medication. Delaying administration, or questioning the order solely because delivery is near or due to the dosage, isn’t indicated if the provider has assessed the situation and chosen Stadol as appropriate. After delivery, pain relief needs may shift, but during labor the planned analgesia serves the patient’s comfort and labor progress.