Opioid overdose
Structured condition card with NCLEX priority cues and nursing action focus.
Mental Healthhigh priorityneeds review
Opioid overdose
Etiology / Pathophysiology
- Excess opioid exposure from prescribed, illicit, or accidental ingestion.
- Opioids depress respiratory drive and consciousness.
Medications
| Class | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Opioid antagonists | Naloxone reverses opioid effects. |
Nursing actions
- Support airway and breathing immediately.
- Administer naloxone per protocol and reassess respirations.
- Monitor for re-sedation and withdrawal.
Complications
- Respiratory arrest
- Aspiration
- Hypoxic brain injury
NCLEX cues
- Pinpoint pupils, respiratory depression, decreased LOC.
- Ventilation is priority.
Memory hooks
- Opioids stop breathing; naloxone is not a substitute for airway support.
Labs / Diagnostics
- Trend assessment findings and ordered diagnostics; verify exact values with school source material.
Review notes
- Session-derived study seed. Verify against school materials, ATI/NCLEX review sources, current orders, and facility policy before relying on details.