Which should be monitored after administration of naloxone?

Which should be monitored after administration of naloxone?

• A. Renal function.
• B. Platelet count.
• C. Liver enzymes.
• D. Consciousness and withdrawal.

Answer: (D)

Naloxone reverses opioid-induced CNS and respiratory depression, so the main focus after its administration is watching how the patient’s level of consciousness changes and whether withdrawal symptoms emerge. In people dependent on opioids, reversing the opioid effects can precipitate withdrawal, causing agitation, tachycardia, hypertension, nausea, and tremors. Because the reversal effect can wear off before the opioid does, ongoing monitoring of mental status and signs of withdrawal (and readiness to provide additional dosing if symptoms recur) is essential. Lab values like renal function, platelets, or liver enzymes aren’t the immediate concerns in this acute setting.

Naloxone reverses opioid-induced CNS and respiratory depression, so the main focus after its administration is watching how the patient’s level of consciousness changes and whether withdrawal symptoms emerge. In people dependent on opioids, reversing the opioid effects can precipitate withdrawal, causing agitation, tachycardia, hypertension, nausea, and tremors. Because the reversal effect can wear off before the opioid does, ongoing monitoring of mental status and signs of withdrawal (and readiness to provide additional dosing if symptoms recur) is essential. Lab values like renal function, platelets, or liver enzymes aren’t the immediate concerns in this acute setting.