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An adult patient with a suspected opioid overdose is in respiratory arrest. Which of the following actions are most appropriate?

-Administer naloxone, if your facility's protocol allows.
-Begin CPR immediately.
-Provide 1 ventilation every 6 seconds.
-Check the pulse and breathing about every 2 minutes.
-As soon as available, use an AED.

User GarethD
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Final answer:

In the case of a suspected opioid overdose leading to respiratory arrest, it is appropriate to administer naloxone if allowed, begin CPR immediately, provide artificial ventilation, check vital signs regularly, and use an AED if available and necessary.

Step-by-step explanation:

Appropriate Actions for a Suspected Opioid Overdose

When dealing with an adult patient in respiratory arrest due to a suspected opioid overdose, the most appropriate actions to take include:

  • Administer naloxone, if your facility's protocol allows, because it can reverse respiratory depression caused by opioids.
  • Begin CPR immediately if the patient is not breathing and has no pulse.
  • Provide 1 ventilation every 6 seconds to support breathing until the patient can breathe independently or further help arrives.
  • Continuously check the patient's pulse and breathing about every 2 minutes as long as you are administering CPR.
  • Use an AED as soon as it is available and if the situation warrants it; if the patient is in cardiac arrest, the AED will provide instructions for use.

It is critical to follow these steps promptly and efficiently to increase the chances of survival and recovery for the patient. Naloxone, an opiate antagonist, is particularly effective as it quickly reverses the effects of opioids without causing harm to individuals who are not opioid-dependent. However, it is vital to provide supportive measures such as artificial ventilation and CPR while naloxone takes effect.

User Gregg Williams
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