When monitoring a client taking a central nervous system depressant, which assessment should be prioritized?

• A. Blood glucose level
• B. Respiratory status
• C. Skin integrity
• D. Liver function tests

Answer: (B)

When monitoring a client on a central nervous system depressant, the most urgent concern is respiratory status because these medications can blunt the brain’s drive to breathe. Respiratory depression is the immediate life-threatening risk, so assessing rate, depth, rhythm, oxygen saturation, and overall respiratory effort helps detect hypoventilation early. If breathing becomes shallow or slow, interventions must follow promptly to secure the airway and support ventilation, and reversal agents may be used if indicated.

Blood glucose level, while important in certain contexts, does not reflect the immediate danger associated with CNS depressants. Skin integrity is not directly affected by these drugs in the acute monitoring sense, and liver function tests, though relevant for understanding metabolism and potential drug interactions over time, do not indicate the urgent safety risk of respiratory suppression.