General Discussion

and a debate about the ethics of saving the live of a drug user. Did the instructor EVER address the former question? If not, I'd guess it was an intentional diversion because she didn't know the answer.

And your answer is YES. Spraying into each nostril (heavily vascular surface) allows absorption quickly even in patients with near agonal breathing. Results in blockage of the opioid receptor in 2-3 minutes, restoring improved respirations. If it does not, repeated doses may be needed or consideration that another drug may be on board as well (e.g., Xylazine, a potent veterinary sedative for which Narcan will have no effect. While there are two reversal drugs used in animals [atipamezole and tolazoline], neither are approved for use in humans and thus far there seems to be little push to get it expedited by FDA or even to conduct more human trials. Arguably Narcan inefficacy would be sufficient reason to use it in dire emergencies, but thus far no). Perhaps that is touching on the ethics debate that seems to be so "top of mind" for your instructor.