Which statement correctly describes naloxone use during suspected opioid overdose with cardiac arrest?

Which statement correctly describes naloxone use during suspected opioid overdose with cardiac arrest?

• A. Naloxone administration should not interfere with high-quality CPR
• B. Naloxone should be given before starting CPR
• C. Naloxone should be used in place of CPR
• D. Naloxone is ineffective in such cases

Answer: (A)

In suspected opioid overdose with cardiac arrest, the priority is high-quality CPR. Naloxone can reverse opioid effects but cannot restore circulation, so it must not delay or interrupt chest compressions. Administer naloxone as soon as it can be given without stopping CPR, and continue compressions while monitoring for improvement and proceeding with advanced care. The other options misplace priorities or claim naloxone has no role, which isn’t accurate because it can help reverse opioid toxicity even though CPR remains essential.

In suspected opioid overdose with cardiac arrest, the priority is high-quality CPR. Naloxone can reverse opioid effects but cannot restore circulation, so it must not delay or interrupt chest compressions. Administer naloxone as soon as it can be given without stopping CPR, and continue compressions while monitoring for improvement and proceeding with advanced care. The other options misplace priorities or claim naloxone has no role, which isn’t accurate because it can help reverse opioid toxicity even though CPR remains essential.