During anesthesia, when the patient’s respirations become increasingly shallow and the pupils become smaller and smaller until they are pinpoint, how should this situation be managed?

• A. Extubate the patient and bag with 100 percent oxygen
• B. This is normal and is not cause for alarm
• C. The anesthetic should be discontinued, and a narcotic antagonist such as naloxone (Narcan) should be administered
• D. Oxygen should be increased while anesthetic is decreased

Answer: (C)