An adolescent is brought to the emergency department (ED) after accidentally taking an overdose of heroin. The adolescent is sem
iconscious, unable to respond appropriately to questions, slurs his words, and has constricted pupils; his vital signs are blood pressure 60/50 mm Hg, pulse 50 beats/minute, and respirations 8 breaths/minute. Naloxone is administered to temporarily reverse the effects of the heroin. Which finding would first indicate that the naloxone administration has been effective?
Heroin is an illegal drug that is made from the naturally occurring morphine alkaloid found in opium poppy plant.
It is abused by the users for its' euphoric effect. It is dangerous and addictive.
An overdose is life threatening and symptoms may include confusion, respiratory insufficiency and small pupil among other symptoms.
Naloxone is a medication used to reverse opoid overdose. Its' effectiveness is indicated when normal respiration is restored if it had stopped or slowed down. Here the patient will have 12 breaths per minute
