True or False: Patients given narcotics require cardiac and ETCO2 monitoring with vital signs every 5 minutes.

Narcotics, also known as opioids, have significant effects on the respiratory system and can lead to respiratory depression, which may result in hypoxia or hypercapnia if not monitored appropriately. Monitoring involves keeping an eye on the patient's vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate, as well as using capnography to measure end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) levels. This is vital for detecting any respiratory compromise, especially in patients receiving these medications.

Regular monitoring every five minutes is crucial for patients who have been administered narcotics, as it allows healthcare providers to quickly identify any adverse effects, such as decreased respiratory function or changes in cardiac status. The routine checks can guide timely interventions if the patient's condition deteriorates.

While the route of administration, dosage, and individual patient factors can sometimes influence the frequency and type of monitoring, in the context of standard protocols, patients on narcotics typically follow a guideline that requires vigilant monitoring every five minutes. Therefore, the assertion that patients given narcotics require cardiac and ETCO2 monitoring with vital signs every five minutes is true.