Final answer:
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist used to reverse opioid overdoses and can be given in cases of cardiac arrest if an opioid overdose is suspected or confirmed. It should be administered at the discretion of the medical professional, differing from first-line cardiac arrest treatments like epinephrine.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of this question is Advanced Life Support (ALS) and its position on the use of naloxone in cases of confirmed cardiac arrest. According to ALS guidelines, naloxone is an opioid antagonist and is used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses, including the life-threatening respiratory depression that can lead to cardiac arrest. However, naloxone is not a first-line medication for cardiac arrest that is not opioid-related. It should be considered in situations where there is a high suspicion or confirmation that the cardiac arrest has resulted from an opioid overdose. If such a case is confirmed, naloxone may be administered based on existing protocols or at the discretion of the medical professional. This is in contrast to medications like epinephrine, which are commonly used as a first-line treatment during cardiac arrest.
The correct answer, based on the information provided, is 'd. It should be administered at the paramedic's discretion.' This reflects an understanding that while naloxone can be life-saving in certain types of cardiac arrest, the decision to administer it is based on the professional judgment of the paramedic, in conjunction with the recognized protocols for opioid overdose and the clinical presentation of the patient.