Opioid overdose — DipIMC MCQ

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ModerateMedical EmergenciesOpioid overdoseDipIMC

A man is drowsy with respiratory rate 6 per minute after heroin use. He has a pulse and oxygenation improves with assisted ventilation. What is the most appropriate drug/dose?

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Correct answer: C — Naloxone titrated to restore adequate ventilation

Option C is correct because Naloxone should reverse respiratory depression while ventilation and oxygenation are supported. Option D is less appropriate because that dose is an ALS cardiac-arrest dose and is unsafe for this non-arrest indication; option B is less appropriate because aspirin is useful in ACS but inappropriate for this presentation. Option A is less appropriate because untitrated opioid dosing can cause avoidable hypotension or respiratory depression; option E is less appropriate because steroids have delayed onset and should not replace the immediate treatment. Clinical pearl: in DipIMC-style questions, the best answer is the intervention that changes outcome earliest in the pre-hospital phase.

Reference: JRCALC Guidelines