Pharmacology · single question
Which of the following medications can cause respiratory depression in this patient?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Diazepam / opioid
Benzodiazepines (diazepam) and opioids both depress the central respiratory drive in the brainstem and must be used with extreme caution — or avoided — in obstructive sleep apnea because of the additive airway and respiratory risk. Ketamine preserves respiratory drive (it is a dissociative anesthetic). Ketorolac and acetaminophen have no significant respiratory depressant effect.