Question

EMTs responded to a known heroin abuser who is unresponsive. If they give naloxone (Narcan) to this patient, the EMTs should recall that__________

1) The effects of Narcan last longer than most opioid drugs.
2) Narcan should be administered in increments of 2 mg.
3) Naloxone administration could cause seizures in this patient.
4) Naloxone should not be given if the patient's breathing is slow

Answer 1

Naloxone (Narcan) is an opioid antagonist used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose. EMTs should administer Narcan in increments of 2 mg to quickly reverse respiratory depression caused by opioids. It does not cause seizures and should be given even if the patient's breathing is slow. The correct option is 2) Narcan should be administered in increments of 2 mg.

Step-by-step explanation:

Naloxone (Narcan) is an opioid antagonist used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose. When administered to a heroin abuser who is unresponsive, EMTs should recall that Narcan can rapidly reverse the respiratory depression caused by opioids and help the person wake up and continue breathing until emergency medical treatment can be provided. The effects of Narcan do not last as long as most opioid drugs, so additional doses may be needed if the person slips back into overdose.

Narcan should be administered in increments of 2 mg, following medical protocols and guidelines. The appropriate dose may vary depending on the individual and the severity of the overdose.

Naloxone administration does not cause seizures in patients. Its primary purpose is to reverse the effects of opioids and restore normal breathing.

Naloxone should be given even if the patient's breathing is slow because it can effectively reverse respiratory depression caused by opioid overdose, potentially saving the person's life.