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.