If a nurse suspects opioid overdose complicated by alcohol ingestion, what is the first intervention that should be performed?

In cases of suspected opioid overdose, the most crucial and immediate intervention is the administration of naloxone. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that can quickly reverse the effects of opioids, which can include respiratory depression, sedation, and loss of consciousness. Given the life-threatening nature of an opioid overdose, prompt action is necessary to restore normal respiratory function and prevent further complications or fatalities.

While other interventions such as administering IV fluids or continuing to monitor vital signs may be part of the overall management plan, they do not address the immediate risk of respiratory failure that can occur in an opioid overdose scenario. A drug screen might provide useful information but is not an urgent priority when a patient’s life is at risk. Thus, the immediate administration of naloxone is the appropriate first step in this critical situation.