GPT on Question 16, Sep 29

Naloxone (Narcan) rapidly reverses opioid overdose by competitively displacing opioids—such as fentanyl, heroin, oxycodone, or methadone—from mu-opioid receptors. This restores the brain’s drive to breathe. It usually works within 2–3 minutes, but its effect may wear off in 30–90 minutes, sooner than some opioids, so symptoms can return.

When a bystander should use it

Give naloxone when opioid overdose is suspected, especially if the person:

• •Cannot be awakened or is unusually unresponsive
• •Is breathing very slowly, irregularly, or not at all
• •Has pinpoint pupils
• •Has blue/gray lips or fingertips, gurgling, or snoring-like sounds

If unsure, use it—naloxone generally will not harm someone who has not taken opioids. It will not reverse non-opioid causes, but opioids may be mixed with other drugs.

What to do

• 1.Call emergency services immediately.
• 2.Give naloxone according to the device instructions—commonly one nasal spray into one nostril.
• 3.Start rescue breathing; if there is no pulse or you are trained and cannot confirm one, begin CPR and 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 multiple doses.
• 5.Place the person on their side once breathing improves and stay with them until help arrives.

Naloxone can trigger sudden withdrawal—agitation, vomiting, sweating, or pain—but this is far less dangerous than untreated respiratory arrest. Even if the person wakes up, they still need medical evaluation because overdose can recur.