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Opioid overdose — DipIMC MCQ

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EasyMedical EmergenciesOpioid overdoseDipIMC

A 40-year-old is found in a public toilet with slow respirations, pinpoint pupils and oxygen saturation 70%. He has a palpable carotid pulse. What is the most appropriate drug/dose?

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Correct answer: CSupport ventilation and give titrated naloxone

Support ventilation and give titrated naloxone is the best answer because opioid toxicity with respiratory depression and a pulse needs airway support plus naloxone titrated to breathing. Delay medication until hospital review is less appropriate because time-critical emergency drugs should not wait for hospital arrival; Give intravenous adrenaline 1 mg as a rapid bolus is less appropriate because IV bolus adrenaline is reserved for cardiac arrest or expert titrated use. Give nebulised salbutamol as sole treatment and Give oral antihistamine as first-line treatment 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