NREMT Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Cognitive ExamMedical EmergenciesMedium
A 55-year-old male is found unconscious by his family. His respirations are slow and shallow at 8 breaths per minute, and his skin is cool and clammy. His pupils are pinpoint. Family states he has a history of chronic pain and takes several medications, but they are unsure which ones. What is the MOST appropriate initial intervention for this patient?
- AAdminister oral glucose.
- BAdminister naloxone.
- CAssist ventilations with a bag-valve mask.
- DPrepare for immediate defibrillation.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Assist ventilations with a bag-valve mask.
The patient's slow, shallow respirations indicate respiratory depression, which is a life-threatening condition regardless of the underlying cause. Assisting ventilations with a bag-valve mask is the most immediate and critical intervention to ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation, even before administering an antidote like naloxone.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Oral glucose is for conscious patients with suspected hypoglycemia; this patient is unconscious and may have an opioid overdose.
- B. While naloxone may be indicated, addressing the immediate respiratory compromise with assisted ventilations takes precedence.
- D. There is no indication of cardiac arrest or a shockable rhythm; defibrillation is not appropriate.
Opioid Overdose Initial Management
The immediate priority in suspected opioid overdose with respiratory depression is to ensure adequate ventilation and oxygenation.
- Respiratory depression is the primary life threat.
- Assisted ventilations precede naloxone administration if breathing is inadequate.
- Pinpoint pupils are a classic sign of opioid overdose.
Memory trick: Breathe FIRST, then Reverse the Dose!