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

The classic opioid toxidrome is pinpoint (miotic) pupils, decreased consciousness, and respiratory depression, which can lead to respiratory arrest.

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

Opioid overdose typically causes respiratory arrest before cardiac arrest, so rescue breathing (ventilation) is the priority intervention.

Question 3

Naloxone (Narcan) works by:

Accepted Answer

Binding to opioid receptors and reversing opioid effects

Answer

Naloxone is a competitive opioid antagonist that displaces opioids from their receptors, rapidly reversing respiratory depression, sedation, and analgesia.

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

Current AHA guidelines recommend 2 mg intranasal naloxone as the standard community dose for opioid-associated emergencies in adults.

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

If the victim does not respond to the initial naloxone dose within 2–3 minutes, an additional dose may be administered while continuing supportive care.

BLS - Basic Life Support Practice Test

BLS - Basic Life Support Practice Test

BLS Opioid-Associated Emergencies & Naloxone