In the following, which is not an example of an opioid?

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2019

Explanation

Naloxone is a pure opioid antagonist, meaning it blocks the effects of opioids at the receptor site.
Unlike the other options, it does not produce analgesia, sedation, or euphoria; its primary use is to reverse the life-threatening effects of opioid overdose, such as respiratory depression.
Pethidine, Heroin, and Morphine are all opioid agonists, which activate opioid receptors and are classified as opioids.

Option B: Pethidine (also known as Meperidine) is a synthetic opioid agonist. It is used as an analgesic and is a classic example of an opioid.
Option C: Heroin (diacetylmorphine) is a potent semi-synthetic opioid derived from morphine. It is a well-known example of an opioid, particularly noted for its high potential for abuse.
Option D: Morphine is a natural alkaloid derived from the opium poppy and is the prototypical opioid agonist against which other opioids are often compared. It is a primary example of an opioid.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Classification of opioids and opioid antagonists as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must be able to distinguish between opioid agonists (used for pain) and antagonists (used for reversal) to ensure patient safety and administer correct treatment.
Administering naloxone is a critical, time-sensitive nursing intervention in suspected opioid overdose to reverse life-threatening respiratory depression.
A key nursing responsibility after administering naloxone is continuous monitoring, as its short half-life may require repeated doses to prevent the patient from relapsing into a coma.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keyword 'NOT' in the question stem. This indicates you are looking for the option that does not fit the category.
The category is 'opioid'. Define what an opioid is in a clinical context: a substance that acts as an agonist at opioid receptors to produce effects like analgesia.
Evaluate each option against this definition.
Pethidine is a synthetic opioid agonist. It fits the category.
Heroin is a semi-synthetic opioid agonist. It fits the category.
Morphine is a natural opioid agonist. It fits the category.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pharmacology Nurses Shanbhag 3e p. 162-164

E6 Pharmacology KD Tripathi Essentials 9e Part 2 p. 139-141

Practise the full RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2019

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.