Opioid Overdose Response and Naloxone Flashcards

A bystander finds an unresponsive person with a needle nearby and shallow breathing. What is the first action?

Answer: Check responsiveness and call 911 (or have someone call)

Confirming unresponsiveness and activating EMS comes first in any emergency.

What position should an overdose victim who is breathing but unresponsive be placed in?

Answer: Recovery position on their side

The recovery position keeps the airway open and prevents aspiration if the victim vomits.

Which symptom might appear after naloxone reverses an overdose in a dependent person?

Answer: Acute opioid withdrawal such as agitation, nausea, and sweating

Naloxone can precipitate uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms in opioid-dependent people.

Naloxone will have little to no effect on an overdose caused by which substance?

Answer: Alcohol or benzodiazepines alone

Naloxone only reverses opioids and does not work on alcohol or benzodiazepines by themselves.

When giving rescue breaths to an apneic overdose victim with a pulse, what rate is recommended for an adult?

Answer: About 1 breath every 6 seconds (10 per minute)

Rescue breathing for an adult with a pulse is delivered at roughly 10 breaths per minute.

Why is it safe to give naloxone even if you are unsure the emergency is an opioid overdose?

Answer: Naloxone has essentially no harmful effect if no opioids are present

Naloxone is harmless when no opioids are in the system, so it can be given safely when in doubt.

What should you do if naloxone is not available but the victim is not breathing?

Answer: Begin rescue breathing and CPR as needed while waiting for EMS

Ventilation and CPR sustain oxygen delivery and are critical even without naloxone.