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Opioid-Associated Emergencies & Naloxone Flashcards

7 cards from real BLS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Opioid-Associated Emergencies & Naloxone flashcards as text

  1. Which triad of signs is classically associated with opioid overdose?

    Answer: Pinpoint pupils, unconsciousness, and respiratory depression

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

  2. What is the primary BLS intervention for an unresponsive victim of suspected opioid overdose who is not breathing normally?

    Answer: Give rescue breaths only and monitor for pulse

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

  3. Naloxone (Narcan) works by:

    Answer: Binding to opioid receptors and reversing opioid effects

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

  4. What is the recommended initial intranasal dose of naloxone for an adult opioid emergency in the community setting?

    Answer: 2 mg

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

  5. After giving naloxone to a victim of opioid overdose, if there is no response after 2–3 minutes, you should:

    Answer: Give an additional dose of naloxone

    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.

  6. Why is it critical to call 911 even if a victim responds well to naloxone?

    Answer: Naloxone has a shorter duration of action than most opioids, so overdose can recur

    Naloxone's effects last only 30–90 minutes, which is shorter than most opioids; re-sedation and respiratory depression can return when naloxone wears off.

  7. Which route of naloxone administration is most commonly available to bystanders and trained lay rescuers?

    Answer: Intranasal (IN) spray device

    Intranasal naloxone spray (e.g., Narcan nasal spray) is widely available over-the-counter and does not require needles, making it the most practical option for bystanders.