HRC Naloxone Administration & Overdose Response — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is naloxone and how does it work?
- An opioid antagonist that reverses opioid overdose by blocking opioid receptors (Correct answer)
- A stimulant that increases heart rate during overdose
- A sedative that calms overdose victims
- An antibiotic that fights infection from drug use
Correct answer: An opioid antagonist that reverses opioid overdose by blocking opioid receptors
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that rapidly binds to opioid receptors, displacing opioids and reversing respiratory depression, the primary cause of opioid overdose death.
Question 2: What are the signs of an opioid overdose?
- Slow or stopped breathing, blue lips/fingernails, unresponsiveness, and pinpoint pupils (Correct answer)
- Rapid breathing and dilated pupils
- Excessive sweating and hyperactivity
- Red flushed skin and rapid speech
Correct answer: Slow or stopped breathing, blue lips/fingernails, unresponsiveness, and pinpoint pupils
Opioid overdose presents with respiratory depression (slow/absent breathing), cyanosis (blue coloring), decreased consciousness, and miotic (pinpoint) pupils.
Question 3: How should naloxone be administered via the intranasal route?
- Spray one dose into one nostril while the person is lying on their back (Correct answer)
- Spray into both nostrils simultaneously
- Have the person inhale the spray through their mouth
- Apply the spray externally to the neck
Correct answer: Spray one dose into one nostril while the person is lying on their back
Intranasal naloxone (Narcan) is administered by inserting the nozzle into one nostril and pressing the plunger firmly, delivering the full dose. A second dose can be given in the other nostril if needed.
Question 4: What is the concept of 'Good Samaritan' laws in relation to overdose response?
- Laws protecting people who call for help during an overdose from drug-related criminal charges (Correct answer)
- Laws requiring bystanders to perform CPR
- Laws that mandate reporting drug use to authorities
- Laws protecting only medical professionals during emergencies
Correct answer: Laws protecting people who call for help during an overdose from drug-related criminal charges
Good Samaritan laws in many U.S. states provide legal protections for individuals who call 911 or administer naloxone during an overdose, removing fear of prosecution as a barrier to seeking help.
Question 5: How long does naloxone's effect typically last?
- 30-90 minutes, which may be shorter than the opioid's effect requiring additional doses (Correct answer)
- 24 hours, ensuring full protection
- 5 minutes, requiring immediate hospital transport
- Permanently, once administered
Correct answer: 30-90 minutes, which may be shorter than the opioid's effect requiring additional doses
Naloxone's effects last 30-90 minutes, while many opioids (especially fentanyl) may last longer, meaning the person can re-enter overdose when naloxone wears off, requiring monitoring and potential re-dosing.
Question 6: What is the recovery position and why is it used after naloxone administration?
- Placing the person on their side to prevent choking if they vomit upon waking (Correct answer)
- Placing the person flat on their back with arms at their sides
- Having the person stand up immediately
- Placing the person face-down to promote breathing
Correct answer: Placing the person on their side to prevent choking if they vomit upon waking
The recovery position (on the side with the top knee bent forward) prevents aspiration if the person vomits when naloxone takes effect, which is common as the body goes into sudden opioid withdrawal.
HRC Naloxone Administration & Overdose Response
What is naloxone and how does it work?