Which statement about opioid-induced respiration changes is true?

Which statement about opioid-induced respiration changes is true?

• A. Increased breathing rate
• B. No effect on respiration
• C. Fluctuating respiration with activity
• D. Decreased breathing

Answer: (D)

Opioid-induced respiratory depression happens because mu-opioid receptors in the brainstem suppress the ventilatory drive in response to carbon dioxide. This reduces both how fast you breathe and how deeply you breathe, leading to lower minute ventilation. At higher doses, it can progress to apnea. So the true statement is that breathing is decreased. Increasing breathing rate would not describe the opioid effect, and claiming no effect or fluctuating breathing with activity doesn’t fit the typical depressant action on the respiratory center.

Opioid-induced respiratory depression happens because mu-opioid receptors in the brainstem suppress the ventilatory drive in response to carbon dioxide. This reduces both how fast you breathe and how deeply you breathe, leading to lower minute ventilation. At higher doses, it can progress to apnea. So the true statement is that breathing is decreased. Increasing breathing rate would not describe the opioid effect, and claiming no effect or fluctuating breathing with activity doesn’t fit the typical depressant action on the respiratory center.