BLS Opioid-Associated Emergencies & Naloxone

Question 1

Which triad of signs is classically associated with opioid overdose?

Accepted Answer

Pinpoint pupils, unconsciousness, and respiratory depression

Answer

Hyperthermia, agitation, and dilated pupils

Answer

Bradycardia, hypertension, and seizures

Answer

Flushed skin, vomiting, and tachycardia

Question 2

What is the primary BLS intervention for an unresponsive victim of suspected opioid overdose who is not breathing normally?

Accepted Answer

Give rescue breaths only and monitor for pulse

Answer

Administer naloxone before starting CPR

Answer

Begin high-quality CPR immediately

Answer

Place in recovery position and call 911

Question 3

Naloxone (Narcan) works by:

Accepted Answer

Binding to opioid receptors and reversing opioid effects

Answer

Stimulating the respiratory center in the brainstem directly

Answer

Increasing heart rate to compensate for opioid-induced bradycardia

Answer

Metabolizing opioids in the bloodstream

Question 4

What is the recommended initial intranasal dose of naloxone for an adult opioid emergency in the community setting?

Accepted Answer

2 mg

Answer

0.1 mg

Answer

0.4 mg

Answer

10 mg

Question 5

After giving naloxone to a victim of opioid overdose, if there is no response after 2–3 minutes, you should:

Accepted Answer

Give an additional dose of naloxone

Answer

Wait 10 minutes before giving a second dose

Answer

Stop all interventions as opioids are not the cause

Answer

Administer epinephrine instead

Question 6

Why is it critical to call 911 even if a victim responds well to naloxone?

Accepted Answer

Naloxone has a shorter duration of action than most opioids, so overdose can recur

Answer

Naloxone causes dangerous rebound hypertension requiring hospital monitoring

Answer

The victim must receive IV fluids after every naloxone administration

Answer

Naloxone is only a temporary sedative, not a true antidote

Question 7

Which route of naloxone administration is most commonly available to bystanders and trained lay rescuers?

Accepted Answer

Intranasal (IN) spray device

Answer

Intravenous (IV)

Answer

Intramuscular (IM) with a syringe kit

Answer

Sublingual tablet