Opioid-associated respiratory arrest — DipIMC MCQ

Correct answer: E — Support ventilation with high-concentration oxygen and give naloxone

Support ventilation with high-concentration oxygen and give naloxone is the best answer because respiratory failure with opioid toxidrome and a pulse is treated first with ventilation plus naloxone. Give a large crystalloid bolus before controlling the injury is less appropriate because fluid cannot replace early control of bleeding or ventilation problems; Delay intervention until arrival at hospital is less appropriate because delay is unsafe when a reversible pre-hospital threat is present. Perform a full secondary survey before treating the abnormality and Transport without treating the identified time-critical problem are also suboptimal because they move attention away from the key pre-hospital priority.. The key DipIMC principle is to treat immediate reversible threats, communicate clearly and move the patient toward the right definitive care.

Reference: JRCALC Guidelines; Resuscitation Council UK Guidelines