Table of Contents
Opioids
Problem 1
A 25-year-old man is found by the ambulance cyanosed but with a detectable pulse. A needle and syringe are on the ground beside him; he has numerous track marks.
He is given assisted ventilation with a bag and mask and given 2 mgs of naloxone he becomes aggressive, spits at the ambulance personnel, and runs away.
- What are the possible causes for his behaviour?
- What route should naloxone be administered?
- What are the risks in allowing him to leave?
- If he is caught and brought to hospital how long would he need to be observed and what clinical assessment is required to clear him for discharge?
Problem 2
A 25-year-old man is found by the ambulance cyanosed but with a detectable pulse. A needle and syringe are on the ground beside him; he has numerous track marks.
He is given assisted ventilation with a bag and mask and given 2 mgs of naloxone. His respiratory rate appears to improve but he does not wake.
- What is your differential for his lack of response?
- Should he receive more naloxone and if so what dose?
He is noted to have a swollen buttock and a foot drop. His urine is dark. His CPK is 80 000.
- What’s going on and what are you going to do?
- What does this imply about his initial presentation?
Problem 3
A 31-year-old man is found by the ambulance cyanosed but with a detectable pulse. A needle and syringe are on the ground beside him; he has numerous track marks.
He is given assisted ventilation with a bag and mask and given 2 mgs of naloxone. He becomes aggressive, begins sweating profusely and refuses to lie down on the ambulance stretcher.
On arrival at hospital he is confused, tachypnoeic and is cyanosed.
- What are the possible causes for his behaviour?
- What treatments options are there to resolve his cyanosis?
- What complications are possible?
**Problem 4**
A drowsy 2 year old boy is brought into an Emergency Department. His father is on suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) maintenance therapy. The child grabbed some tablets when his father wasn't looking and 3 tablets are unaccounted for.
- Describe the pharmacokinetics of buprenorphine?
- What is the purpose of naloxone in this combination drug?
- What is the risk assessment for this child?
- How would you manage this child?