What intervention is necessary for a client receiving morphine with a respiratory rate of 6 breaths/minute?

When a client receiving morphine exhibits a respiratory rate of only 6 breaths per minute, administering naloxone is the necessary intervention. This respiratory depression is a critical side effect of opioid administration, like morphine, which can significantly reduce respiratory drive. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that quickly reverses the effects of opioids in the body, including respiratory depression.

The use of naloxone in this context is vital because it can restore adequate respiratory function and increase the rate of breathing almost immediately after administration. This action can prevent potential respiratory failure and other life-threatening complications associated with severe opioid-induced respiratory depression.

In contrast, increasing the morphine dosage would worsen the respiratory depression and further decrease the respiratory rate. Calling for mechanical ventilation may be necessary if the client does not respond to naloxone and continues to have inadequate ventilation; however, naloxone is the first-line treatment to counteract the immediate danger. Starting cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) would only be indicated if there were no signs of life or a complete lack of breathing after naloxone administration, making it less appropriate as the initial intervention.