Question

You are working in a psychiatric emergency room and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) drop off a patient who was found on the side of the road, mumbling and slurring her speech, not able to complete a coherent sentence. the EMTs further report the patient said, I want to die, The patient's vitals are remarkable for a blood pressure of 80/49 mmHg, heart rate 44 BPM, respiratory rate of 6. You complete a quick physical examination and see evidence of puncture sites on her hands, and pinpoint pupils.You have limited other medical or psychiatric history for her, but are concerned she may be experiencing an opiate overdose. Given your suspicion, which medication would you recommend immediately?

A. Naloxone
B. Flumazenil
C. Epinephrine
D. Haloperidol
E. Buprenorphine

Answer 1

The recommended medication for a suspected opiate overdose with the symptoms described is Naloxone, an opiate antagonist that reverses opiate effects.

Step-by-step explanation:

Given the symptoms you describe — mumbling and slurring speech, incoherent sentences, extremely low blood pressure, slow heart rate, reduced respiratory rate, pinpoint pupils, and evidence of puncture sites on hands — the patient in question is likely experiencing an opiate overdose. The immediate administration of Naloxone is recommended in such situations. Naloxone is an opiate antagonist that rapidly reverses the effects of opiates, including respiratory depression which is a critical life-threatening aspect of opiate overdose.