# A nurse is teaching a family member who lives with a client receiving long-term oxycodone how to use the prescribed take-home naloxone (Narcan) 4 mg nasal spray. Which family statement indicates correct understanding?

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=375176&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Medical Emergencies  
> category: PA

## Question

A nurse is teaching a family member who lives with a client receiving long-term oxycodone how to use the prescribed take-home naloxone (Narcan) 4 mg nasal spray. Which family statement indicates correct understanding?

## Option

1. If I find the person unresponsive with very slow or no breathing, I will call 911 first, then spray one full dose into one nostril and start rescue breathing; if there is no response in 2 to 3 minutes I can give a second dose, and stay until EMS arrives because the opioid may outlast the naloxone. **✔ Correct answer**
2. I will only use it after the person stops breathing for at least 5 minutes.
3. Naloxone fixes the addiction, so I can stop watching for risky use.
4. After naloxone the person can be left alone safely because the overdose is reversed.

**Correct answer: 1**

## Explanation

Take-home naloxone is a key harm-reduction intervention for households where opioid is prescribed or where opioid use disorder is present. Family teaching: (1) recognize the overdose triad — unresponsive, slow or absent breathing (RR less than 10), small or pinpoint pupils, often blue lips or fingertips; (2) call 911 first, then administer naloxone — for nasal spray (Narcan 4 mg) insert the nozzle into one nostril until the fingers touch the nose and press the plunger; the device is single-use and does not need priming; (3) start rescue breathing or chest compressions per training; (4) if there is no response in 2 to 3 minutes, administer a second dose; up to several doses may be needed for fentanyl or methadone because their effect outlasts naloxone — recurrence of respiratory depression (renarcotization) is common; (5) stay with the person until EMS arrives — even if the person wakes, they need medical evaluation; (6) naloxone does not treat addiction, only reverses the acute opioid effect; counseling and ongoing care are needed; (7) lock medications, dispose of unused, and avoid stigma so the family will use the kit when needed.

## In-depth explanation

Call 911, give naloxone, repeat in 2 to 3 minutes if needed, and stay until EMS — opioid often outlasts naloxone. Naloxone reverses the opioid acutely, not addiction.

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