The Question is from neet-chemistry principles-related-to-practical-chemistry , and it was created by the author Mr. S M HUSSAIN

Question

A patient presents with severe opioid overdose.  Which of the following is the MOST appropriate immediate course of action?

Mr. S M HUSSAIN · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: C
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Opioid overdose management
 **Related Topics**: Pharmacology of opioids, respiratory depression, opioid receptor antagonists
 **Prerequisites**: Understanding of opioid mechanism of action and treatment of overdose.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  Severe opioid overdose
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Identify the primary danger of opioid overdose: Respiratory depression leading to hypoxia and death.
  Reasoning: Opioids suppress the respiratory center in the brainstem.
  Formula/Rule: None directly applicable, this is a clinical judgment.
 2. Determine the most effective immediate intervention to reverse respiratory depression.
  Working: Naloxone is a competitive opioid receptor antagonist. It binds to opioid receptors, preventing further opioid binding and reversing the effects of the opioid.
  Key Point:  Speed is crucial in opioid overdose. Delayed treatment can be fatal.
 3. Evaluate other options as less effective or inappropriate in this acute situation.
  Result: Administering naloxone is the most appropriate immediate action.
  Verification: Naloxone's rapid action directly addresses the life-threatening respiratory depression.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
[A] :x: Inducing vomiting is contraindicated in an unconscious patient and may not be effective in removing already absorbed opioids.
[B] :x: Activated charcoal is useful for absorbing orally ingested poisons *before* significant absorption, but it is not the primary treatment for a severe overdose where respiratory depression is imminent.
[C] ✓: Naloxone is a specific and effective antidote for opioid overdose. It rapidly reverses respiratory depression and other opioid effects.
[D] :x: Waiting for the effects to wear off naturally is dangerous and can be fatal in severe opioid overdoses.  The patient needs immediate intervention.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Choosing activated charcoal as the primary treatment: This is not the first-line treatment for severe respiratory depression.
  2.Delaying treatment: Every minute counts in opioid overdose; immediate action is crucial.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Remember the primary goal is to reverse respiratory depression.
  2.Naloxone is the antidote for opioid overdose.

Mr. S M HUSSAIN · Answer

Induce vomiting to remove unabsorbed opioid.

Mr. S M HUSSAIN · Answer

Administer activated charcoal to adsorb the opioid.

Mr. S M HUSSAIN · Answer

The correct Option is "Administer naloxone, an opioid receptor antagonist."

Mr. S M HUSSAIN · Answer

Wait for the opioid effects to wear off naturally.

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