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A client comes to an urgent care clinic and announces with great enthusiasm. "I am an expert at all things medical as they apply to me, and I require zolpidem." The client's pupils are dilated, along with an elevated heart rate and blood pressure level. The nurse should suspect intoxication with which of the following substance?

A. Alcohol
B. Cocaine
C. Barbiturates
D. Heroin

User Sowvik Roy
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The client showing dilated pupils, elevated heart rate, and high blood pressure is likely experiencing cocaine intoxication, as these symptoms align with the effects of a stimulant drug.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a client arrives at an urgent care clinic with dilated pupils, an elevated heart rate, and high blood pressure after requesting 'zolpidem', a healthcare professional should suspect cocaine intoxication. These symptoms are indicative of a stimulant effect rather than the depressant effects associated with substances like alcohol, barbiturates, and heroin. Barbiturates in overdose typically cause symptoms such as sluggishness, incoordination, and drowsiness; these signs are not presented in the client's condition. Conversely, cocaine, a stimulant, can cause an increase in both heart rate and blood pressure and pupil dilation. Cocaine acts as a central nervous system stimulant that affects dopamine neurotransmission - significantly different from the effects of barbiturates on the GABA system.

User Lukiffer
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