The frequency and timing of respiratory depression in 1524 postoperative patients treated with systemic or neuraxial morphine

Morphine-induced respiratory depression may occur at any time during the APS admission. However, the optimal frequency of intermittent RR monitoring is unknown. Furthermore, because multiple variables (age, sex, prior opioid administration, site of operation) may affect morphine-induced respiratory depression, further investigation must be performed to determine the ideal monitoring protocol.