Preventing Opioid-Induced Respiratory Depression in the Hospitalized Patient With Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Purpose: To enhance the role of nursing interventions in the management of perioperative opioid-induced respiratory depression (OIRD) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Design: Narrative review of the literature. Methods: Literature reviewed with emphasis on recommendations by professional and accrediting organizations. Findings: Postsurgical OIRD increases hospital stay (55%), cost of care (47%), 30-day readmission (36%), and inpatient mortality (3.4 fold). OSA increases the risk of OIRD and may result in legal claims averaging $2.5 million per legal claim. Conclusions: Nursing interventions are essential to improving outcome and reduce cost in the management of postsurgical OIRD in OSA patients.