GPT on Question 16, Sep 15

Naloxone (Narcan) is an opioid antagonist. It rapidly displaces opioids—including heroin, fentanyl, and prescription painkillers—from mu-opioid receptors, reversing their suppression of breathing and consciousness. It usually works within 2–3 minutes, but its effect may wear off before the opioid does.

When a bystander should use it

Give naloxone immediately if an opioid overdose is possible and the person:

• •Cannot be awakened
• •Is breathing very slowly, irregularly, or not at all
• •Has choking, gurgling, or unusual “snoring” sounds
• •Has blue/gray lips or fingertips
• •Has pinpoint pupils, especially with other signs

If uncertain, use it anyway—naloxone generally will not harm someone who has not taken opioids.

What to do

• 1.Call emergency services.
• 2.Give naloxone according to the device instructions—commonly one nasal spray into one nostril.
• 3.Provide rescue breaths or CPR as instructed by the dispatcher; use an AED if available.
• 4.If there is no response after 2–3 minutes, give another dose. Potent opioids such as fentanyl may require several doses.
• 5.Once breathing returns, place the person on their side and stay with them until help arrives.

Naloxone can trigger sudden withdrawal—agitation, vomiting, sweating, or pain—and overdose symptoms can return after 30–90 minutes or later, so emergency evaluation is still essential. It does not reverse overdoses from non-opioid drugs, but many street drugs contain fentanyl, so it should still be given when opioid exposure is possible.