In a suspected narcotic overdose, naloxone is indicated if the respiratory rate falls below how many breaths per minute?

In a suspected narcotic overdose, naloxone is indicated if the respiratory rate falls below how many breaths per minute?

• A. 8
• B. 10
• C. 12
• D. 14

Answer: (C)

In opioid overdose, the main danger is respiratory depression. Naloxone reverses this by blocking opioid receptors, so it’s used when breathing is becoming dangerously slow. A normal adult breathes about 12 to 20 times per minute. If the rate falls below 12, that indicates opioid-induced respiratory depression significant enough to warrant naloxone. Lower rates like 10 or 8 show even more severe depression, but the threshold tested here is 12 breaths per minute. A rate of 14 isn’t depressed, so it wouldn’t trigger naloxone based on respiratory rate alone.

In opioid overdose, the main danger is respiratory depression. Naloxone reverses this by blocking opioid receptors, so it’s used when breathing is becoming dangerously slow. A normal adult breathes about 12 to 20 times per minute. If the rate falls below 12, that indicates opioid-induced respiratory depression significant enough to warrant naloxone. Lower rates like 10 or 8 show even more severe depression, but the threshold tested here is 12 breaths per minute. A rate of 14 isn’t depressed, so it wouldn’t trigger naloxone based on respiratory rate alone.