GPT on Question 16, Sep 23

Naloxone (Narcan) rapidly reverses opioid overdose by displacing opioids such as heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, or morphine from opioid receptors—especially the mu receptor. This restores the brain’s drive to breathe. It usually starts working within 2–5 minutes, but often lasts only 30–90 minutes, shorter than many opioids, so overdose symptoms can return.

When a bystander should use it

Give naloxone if opioid exposure is possible and the person:

• •Cannot be awakened or is unusually unresponsive
• •Is breathing very slowly, irregularly, or not at all
• •Has snoring, gurgling, or choking sounds
• •Has blue/gray lips or fingertips or very pale, clammy skin
• •Has pinpoint pupils—though this sign may be absent

If unsure, use it: naloxone generally will not harm someone who has not taken opioids.

What to do

• 1.Call emergency services immediately.
• 2.Give naloxone according to the device instructions—commonly one nasal spray into one nostril.
• 3.Provide rescue breaths or CPR if the person is not breathing normally; use an AED if available.
• 4.If there is no response after 2–3 minutes, give another dose, using a new device. Potent opioids such as fentanyl may require several doses.
• 5.Once breathing resumes, place them on their side and stay with them until help arrives.

Naloxone can trigger sudden withdrawal—agitation, vomiting, sweating, or pain—but untreated respiratory arrest is far more dangerous. Emergency evaluation is still essential because the person can become sedated again after naloxone wears off.