Introduction: In the last two decades, the drug market and its complexity have been
increasing on a global scale. Drug use is a phenomenon that causes a series of negative
consequences, as it affects not only the individual but also the well-being of others; families,
immediate and wider communities. Opioid overdoses are one of the leading causes of death
among illict drug users in many European Union countries. Purpose: To present the
treatment of patients with an overdose of illict drugs in emergency medical care and the use
of the drug naloxone chloride. Goals: To find out how a nurse is involved in the treatment
of a patient at risk due to abuse of illict drugs. Methods: We used a descriptive method of
work. We searched for literature and sources in the publication period from 2012 to 2022.
We searched in the search engines PubMed, Google Scholar and Science Direct, in the
CINAHL database with full text, on the websites of the National Institute of Public health,
the World Health Organization and the City Library Kranj. Results: We approach the patient
with an overdose of illict drugs using the ABCDE approach, where we determine the
patient's responsiveness, release the airway if necessary, check the pulse and breathing and
examine the patient. If necessary, we perform respiratory support. The priority when the
patients is not breathing and has no pulse is to perform basic and additional resuscitation
procedures. We have an antidote, naloxone hydrochloride, available in opioid overdoses.
Some patients may require more than one dose. Its action may cause withdrawal symptoms.
Discussion and conclusion: Early intervention is crucial in the overdose of illict drugs. The
application of naloxone hydrochloride is not the most important measure. Respiratory
support is crucial. The application of naloxone hydrochloride may run at the same time. After
stabilizing the patient, we take him to a suitable medical facility, where he remains under
observation.
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