A nurse teaches a family member how to respond to a suspected opioid overdose using naloxone nasal spray. Which statement indicates correct understanding?
1I will wait for the breathing rate to fall below 6 per minute before I give naloxone.
2I will call 911, give one spray, support breathing, and repeat a dose in 2 to 3 minutes if needed.✓ Correct answer
3I can leave when the person awakens because naloxone lasts longer than the opioid involved.
4I can use naloxone to treat opioid cravings and make a larger opioid dose safer to take.
Explanation
Suspected opioid overdose requires immediate action: call emergency services, administer one naloxone nasal spray, support breathing or begin CPR according to training, and give another dose with a new device after 2 to 3 minutes if the person does not respond or respiratory depression returns. Stay with the person until emergency help arrives because naloxone's effect may wear off before the opioid. Naloxone reverses acute opioid effects; it does not treat cravings or make continued opioid use safe.
Clinical reasoning summary Call 911 immediately, give naloxone, support breathing, and repeat with a new device after 2 to 3 minutes if needed. Stay with the person because recurrent respiratory depression can occur after naloxone wears off.