Question

A 21-year-old male was found unconscious in an alley. Your initial assessment reveals that his respirations are slow and shallow, and his pulse is slow and weak. Further assessment reveals that his pupils are bilaterally constricted. His presentation is MOST consistent with an overdose of:

A) cocaine.
B) an opioid.
C) a stimulant drug.
D) methamphetamine.

Answer 1

The symptoms presented by the unconscious 21-year-old male suggest an opioid overdose, which is characterized by decreased respiratory and heart function and constricted pupils.

Step-by-step explanation:

The presentation of the 21-year-old male found unconscious with slow and shallow respirations, a slow and weak pulse, and bilaterally constricted pupils is most consistent with an overdose of an opioid. Opioids, such as heroin, morphine, and fentanyl, can greatly depress the central nervous system, leading to significantly reduced breathing and heart rate. The constricted pupils, also known as miosis, are a classic sign of opioid overdose. Programs for addressing opioid overdose include the use of naloxone (Narcan), which is an opioid antagonist that can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and is crucial in an emergency situation.