Question

Emts respond to a known heroin abuser who is unresponsive. if they give naloxone (narcan) to this patient, the emts should recall that:

Answer 1

Naloxone/Narcan administration may cause agitation and/or withdrawal symptoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

Remember that the main purpose of administering Narcan/Naloxone is to correct respiratory depression in a patient. Prior to administering the medication, a patient must meet three primary criteria:

1. Pinpoint pupils ( evident in a patient with Opiod overdose)

2. Unconsiousness

3. Respiratory depression (cannot breath on their own)

Once those three criteria have been confirmed, under medical control guidance, you can administer Narcan/Naloxone (per proper packaging instructions).

The purpose of this medication is NOT to bring someone out of uncounsiousness. However, if too much is administered, there is a significant chance that the patient can become consious. Therefore, the patient can eitherr be 1) combative and angry because you "took him/her out of their high" or 2) they can be grateful that you helped them out. That being said, you want to be aware that if the patient is combative, your safety is at risk and you will need to involve law enforcement.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

The EMTs should recall that: naloxone administration could cause seizures in this patient.
Naloxone is the antidote that can be used in a patient who abuses heroin. Naloxone will block opioid medication and cause reverse effect. It also might cause heart rhythm changes or pulmonary edema in some case.