CPR Opioid Overdose Response and Naloxone 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which combination of signs most strongly suggests an opioid overdose rather than another emergency?
- Pinpoint pupils, slow or absent breathing, and unresponsiveness (Correct answer)
- Dilated pupils, rapid breathing, and sweating
- Chest pain, left arm numbness, and anxiety
- High fever, stiff neck, and rash
Correct answer: Pinpoint pupils, slow or absent breathing, and unresponsiveness
The opioid overdose triad is pinpoint pupils, respiratory depression, and decreased responsiveness.
Question 2: What is the primary cause of death in an untreated opioid overdose?
- Respiratory failure from depressed breathing (Correct answer)
- Sudden cardiac arrhythmia
- Massive internal bleeding
- Severe dehydration
Correct answer: Respiratory failure from depressed breathing
Opioids suppress the brain's respiratory drive, leading to fatal lack of oxygen.
Question 3: After giving naloxone to an apneic victim with no pulse, what should you do?
- Begin CPR immediately, starting with chest compressions (Correct answer)
- Wait 5 minutes for naloxone to work before doing anything
- Give a second dose of naloxone and wait
- Place the victim in the recovery position
Correct answer: Begin CPR immediately, starting with chest compressions
A pulseless victim is in cardiac arrest and needs CPR regardless of naloxone administration.
Question 4: How long should you typically wait before giving a second dose of naloxone if there is no response?
- 2 to 3 minutes (Correct answer)
- 30 seconds
- 15 minutes
- 1 hour
Correct answer: 2 to 3 minutes
If no response occurs, a repeat dose is given every 2 to 3 minutes.
Question 5: Which route is NOT a standard way to administer naloxone?
- Oral tablet swallowed by the victim (Correct answer)
- Intranasal spray
- Intramuscular injection
- Intravenous injection
Correct answer: Oral tablet swallowed by the victim
Naloxone is poorly absorbed orally and is given nasally or by injection.
Question 6: Why might a victim need a second or third dose of naloxone?
- The opioid may outlast the naloxone, causing the victim to re-sedate (Correct answer)
- Naloxone always requires three doses by law
- The first dose is only a test dose
- Naloxone weakens with each breath taken
Correct answer: The opioid may outlast the naloxone, causing the victim to re-sedate
Many opioids last longer than naloxone, so re-sedation can occur and additional doses may be needed.
Question 7: After naloxone successfully revives a breathing victim, what is the next priority?
- Keep them under observation and ensure emergency services are coming (Correct answer)
- Send them home since they are now awake
- Give them food and water immediately
- Let them sleep it off alone
Correct answer: Keep them under observation and ensure emergency services are coming
Re-sedation is possible, so the victim must be monitored until EMS arrives.
CPR Opioid Overdose Response and Naloxone 2
Which combination of signs most strongly suggests an opioid overdose rather than another emergency?