Anesthesia Knowledge Test-6 (AKT-6) Practice

Naloxone is primarily known for its role as an opioid antagonist, effectively reversing the effects of opioid overdose, particularly respiratory depression. However, it can indeed have other physiological effects when administered, especially in the context of opioid withdrawal in dependent individuals.

The choice about tachycardia and pulmonary edema is relevant here. Naloxone can rapidly reverse the sedative and respiratory depressant effects of opioids, which can lead to a sudden increase in sympathetic activity. This sympathetic surge can manifest as tachycardia. In people with pre-existing heart conditions or those who have been receiving high doses of opioids, this can potentially result in elevated blood pressure and other cardiovascular complications, including pulmonary edema due to fluid overload or acute loss of vasodilation.

In contrast to the other effects mentioned in the incorrect choices, such as hypotension and sedation, naloxone is more likely to induce an increase in heart rate due to the withdrawal from the opioid effects. Similarly, it does not typically cause constipation or respiratory depression, as it counteracts these effects instead. Seizures and hypertension could occur but are less representative of naloxone’s primary action profile when compared to the response of tachycardia and, in specific cases, pulmonary edema.