58: Narcotic Overdose: The Nurse's Vital Role In Initial Stabilization and Management

When we speak about narcotic overdoses, the first thing we think about is the administration of Narcan or Naloxone. However, our host Sarah Lorenzini shares how that shouldn’t always be the first thing we reach for.

Sarah wants to share why Narcan is her absolute last resort, and why she tries to avoid administering it at all cost. Narcan, or Naloxone, is used to counteract the effects of opioids in the system and while it may help the patient breathe faster, it also blocks the effects of the narcotic that was managing their pain.  In some cases, it is totally necessary to use Narcan, but not every time a patient is lethargic or minimally responsive does Narcan need to be administered.

In today’s episode, you will hear a story of a patient Sarah dealt with where she made the decision to administer Narcan, the very first course of action when dealing with an overdose patient, what to look for in an overdose patient, and some pro tips on how to administer Narcan when/if necessary.

This episode is crucial to understanding and changing perspectives on overdose patients that could make a big difference in a life or death situation.

Tune in for this and more!

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Why Sarah was alarmed after the quick assessment of the patient
• How Sarah delegated to her team of nurses
• The list of medications the patient was given
• The risk of high CO2 in the system
• How to measure a patient’s CO2 level
• What symptoms to look for in an overdose patient
• What to do first when you discover respiratory depression
• Why Sarah tries to avoid Narcan at all costs
• Pro Tips on how to administer Narcan (if necessary)