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Opioid respiratory depression — FRCA Primary MCQ

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ModeratePharmacologyOpioid respiratory depressionFRCA Primary

A ward patient becomes apnoeic after morphine and requires urgent pharmacological reversal. Which drug is most appropriate?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D — Naloxone

Naloxone is a competitive opioid receptor antagonist. Pancuronium is less appropriate because it would fit a different clinical clue or a separate anaesthetic problem. Noradrenaline is less appropriate because it would fit a different clinical clue or a separate anaesthetic problem. Sugammadex is less appropriate because it would fit a different clinical clue or a separate anaesthetic problem. Furosemide is less appropriate because it would fit a different clinical clue or a separate anaesthetic problem. In Primary FRCA pharmacology, link the clinical effect to the receptor, distribution or elimination mechanism rather than memorising isolated facts.

Reference: Peck, Hill & Williams Pharmacology for Anaesthesia and Intensive Care; BNF; Primary FRCA textbooks