Antidote of opioid that mother has received during labor pains are?

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2016

Explanation

Naloxone is a pure opioid antagonist, making it the specific antidote for reversing the effects of opioids.
It functions by competitively binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system, displacing the opioid and rapidly reversing its effects.
In the context of labor, it is crucial for treating opioid-induced respiratory depression in both the mother and the newborn.

Option B: Mephentermine is a vasopressor, not an opioid antagonist. Its function is to raise blood pressure.
Option C: Clexane is the brand name for enoxaparin, which is an anticoagulant (blood thinner).
Option D: Bromhexine is a mucolytic agent used to help clear mucus from the airways in respiratory illnesses.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Pharmacology: Opioid Antagonists in Obstetrics as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must closely monitor the patient's respiratory status after administering naloxone. Its half-life is often shorter than that of the opioid it is reversing, which can lead to a return of respiratory depression (re-narcanization).
When a mother receives opioids during labor, the nurse must be prepared to administer naloxone to the newborn if respiratory depression is present at birth, after ensuring adequate ventilation.
What if? If the mother is known to be opioid-dependent, naloxone administration can precipitate an acute and severe withdrawal syndrome in both the mother and the newborn. In such cases, it must be used with extreme caution, typically in smaller, titrated doses, and with supportive care readily available.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: "antidote" and "opioid". This indicates the question is asking for a reversal agent for a specific class of drugs.
Next, recall the pharmacological classes of the drugs listed in the options.
Evaluate each option's primary function: Naloxone is an opioid antagonist; Mephentermine is a vasopressor; Clexane is an anticoagulant; Bromhexine is a mucolytic.
An opioid antagonist is the only class of drug that acts as an antidote for opioids.
Therefore, select Naloxone as the correct answer because its specific function is to reverse the effects of opioids.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Q85imj8AlefiRnVzBJ6_MA

E6 Pharmacology Nursing Lilley 11e Part 1 p. 170-172

E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 60-78

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