TB 170 - Narcan Nasal Spray

Question 1

Narcan Nasal Spray (naloxone hydrochloride) is an emergency medication used for patients with respiratory compromise who are suspected of overdosing on an _______ substance.

Answer 1

opioid

Question 2

Narcan Nasal Spray is a single use spray and administers a pre-metered dosage of ____ mg.

Answer 2

4mg

Question 3

Signs and symptoms of opioid overdose that warrant administration of Narcan Nasal Spray include the following patient signs and symptoms:

Answer 3

-Unresponsive or minimally responsive, with a pulse

-Depressed respiratory rate (less than 8 breaths per minute)

-Agonal respirations (gasping)

-Respiratory arrest

-Cyanosis

-Constricted/pinpoint pupils

(Other indications of suspected opioid/opiate use include confirmation from bystanders, drug paraphernalia, opioid prescription bottles, or “track marks.”)

Question 4

What are the Contra-Indications for the use of Nasal Narcan?

Answer 4

-Cardiac Arrest

-Seizure Activity

-Pediatric Patients less than1 year of age

-Nasal Trauma or Obstruction

Question 5

Airway management including bag-valve-mask (BVM) ventilation with oxygen and adjuncts for maintaining an open airway should coincide with _______ administration.

Answer 5

medication (narcan) administration

(At no time should airway management be delayed while waiting for medication response.)

Question 6

After giving one dose of Nasal Narcan Spray:

If patients respiratory rate remains less than ____ breaths per minute, a second 4mg Nasal Narcan Spray may be administered.

Answer 6

8

(Patients not responding to Narcan require continued in-depth assessments to further evaluate for other possible contributing factors.)

Question 7

Particular attention must be paid to the patient’s airway whenever Narcan is given due to an increased risk of _______.

Answer 7

-vomiting

(Upon recovery of an adequate respiratory rate and tidal volume, patients should be placed on their LEFT SIDE in order minimize the risk of emesis and aspiration.)

Question 8

Patients receiving Narcan my wake up suddenly and become combative, belligerent, or otherwise uncontrollable.

Patients who require physical restraint are often under the influence of illicit drugs and are at risk of:

Answer 8

sudden decompensation and cardiovascular collapse.