What should a nurse monitor closely after administering naloxone to a client who has overdosed on heroin?

After administering naloxone to a client who has overdosed on heroin, monitoring for respiratory depression is crucial. Heroin and other opioids depress the central nervous system, leading to decreased respiratory drive, which can result in hypoventilation or apnea. Naloxone acts as an opioid antagonist, quickly reversing the effects of opioid overdose by blocking the analgesic effects of these substances and restoring normal respiratory function.

However, while naloxone is effective, it's essential to observe for any potential rebound effects after the medication wears off, especially as the half-life of naloxone may be shorter than that of the opioid consumed. This monitoring is vital because a resurgence of respiratory depression can occur as the opioids reattach to the receptors if the opioid's effects outlast the naloxone.

In contrast, while blood pressure instability, cardiac irregularities, and neurological deficits may be important to monitor in certain contexts, they are not the most immediate concerns in this specific scenario following naloxone administration. Ensuring stable respiratory function directly addresses the most life-threatening aspect of an opioid overdose.