Free BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Question

In a suspected opioid overdose, which can present with drowsiness, hypotension, and miosis (pupil constriction), the administration of naloxone is appropriate due to its role as an opioid antagonist. Immediate administration can quickly reverse the effects of opioid toxicity, potentially saving the life of the patient. Gastric lavage and activated charcoal may be considered in certain overdose scenarios, but are not specific to opioid overdose; their use is dependent on the substance ingested, time since ingestion, and patient stability. Normal saline would be useful for addressing hypotension, but would not counteract the effects of the opioid.