Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam

What should be monitored continuously following the administration of naloxone?

1. Blood glucose levels

2. Vital signs

3. Respiration and consciousness

4. Circulatory status

The correct answer is: Respiration and consciousness

Following the administration of naloxone, it is essential to continuously monitor respiration and consciousness because naloxone is an opioid antagonist used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose. Opioids can severely depress both respiratory function and alter the level of consciousness. By watching for changes in respiration, you can assess whether normal breathing resumes and if the person transitions back to a normal level of consciousness. Opioid overdose can result in severe hypoxia and potentially life-threatening respiratory depression; therefore, ongoing vigilance in monitoring these two parameters is critical to ensure the individual stabilizes after receiving naloxone. Although monitoring vital signs and circulatory status is important in the overall assessment of a patient's condition, the respiratory status and level of consciousness are particularly vital in the context of overdoses where the effects of opioids can fluctuate, necessitating close observation to intervene swiftly if necessary. Monitoring blood glucose levels, while important in other contexts, is not directly relevant to the immediate effects of naloxone administration.