What is the recommended treatment for a patient with a suspected opioid overdose?

Administering naloxone is the recommended treatment for a patient with a suspected opioid overdose because naloxone is an opioid antagonist that works by rapidly reversing the effects of opioid toxicity. Opioids can depress the central nervous system, leading to respiratory depression and potentially fatal outcomes. When administered, naloxone displaces the opioids from their receptors, restoring normal respiratory function and consciousness to the patient, if they have not experienced prolonged hypoxia or other issues.

While other interventions such as providing IV fluids or checking glucose levels might be necessary depending on the specific clinical scenario, they do not directly address the life-threatening effects of opioid overdose as effectively as naloxone does. Initiating CPR is critical when a patient is not breathing or has no pulse; however, in the case of suspected opioid overdose, reversing the opioid effect with naloxone should be prioritized to restore normal breathing and consciousness before other supportive measures are implemented.