BLS Opioid-Associated Emergencies & Naloxone 2

Question 1

A person is found unresponsive with slow, gurgling respirations of 4 breaths per minute. You suspect opioid overdose. What is the FIRST action?

Accepted Answer

Activate the emergency response system (call 911) and get naloxone if available

Answer

The first step is to activate 911 to ensure advanced help is coming, then retrieve naloxone and begin rescue breathing as the priority intervention.

Question 2

Stimulation (sternal rub or calling the victim's name) is performed on a suspected opioid overdose victim because:

Accepted Answer

A person who responds to stimulation may not yet need naloxone

Answer

If the victim responds to stimulation and begins breathing adequately, naloxone may not be immediately necessary, avoiding precipitation of acute opioid withdrawal.

Question 3

Which of the following opioids is most likely to require multiple doses of naloxone due to its potency?

Accepted Answer

Fentanyl

Answer

Fentanyl and its analogues are 50–100 times more potent than morphine and often require repeated or higher doses of naloxone to fully reverse respiratory depression.

Question 4

When performing rescue breathing for an opioid overdose victim, the rescuer should give breaths at:

Accepted Answer

1 breath every 5–6 seconds (10–12 breaths/min)

Answer

For an adult with a pulse but absent or inadequate breathing, rescue breaths should be delivered at 1 breath every 5–6 seconds (10–12 breaths/min).

Question 5

After naloxone reversal, the victim becomes agitated and combative. This most likely indicates:

Accepted Answer

Acute opioid withdrawal precipitated by naloxone

Answer

Naloxone rapidly precipitates opioid withdrawal in dependent individuals, causing agitation, diaphoresis, nausea, vomiting, and combativeness.

BLS - Basic Life Support Practice Test

BLS - Basic Life Support Practice Test

BLS Opioid-Associated Emergencies & Naloxone 2