Ace the Ontario Paramedic Practice Exam 2025 – Sprint to Success and Save Lives!

The standard dosage of naloxone for treating an opioid overdose is indeed 0.4 to 2 mg, repeated as needed. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that works by displacing opioids from their receptors in the brain, effectively reversing the effects of opioid overdose, including respiratory depression and sedation.

When administering naloxone, it is essential to start with a dose of 0.4 mg to 2 mg, as this range is most effective for reversing opioid overdose symptoms. If the initial dose does not result in a response, additional doses can be administered every 2 to 3 minutes until the individual responds or emergency medical services arrive. This flexibility allows for tailored management of the overdose, taking into account the severity of the situation and the patient's response.

The other dosing options provided are not within the recommended guidelines. For example, the lower dosage range does not provide adequate coverage for standard opioid overdoses, and a one-time higher dose could be ineffective if the individual has a significant level of opioid in their system. Repeating doses as needed is critical for proper management and can help ensure the best possible outcome in overdose cases.