Question

A client comes to an urgent care clinical 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 substances?

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

Answer 1

The client at the urgent care clinic exhibiting dilated pupils, elevated heart rate, and blood pressure is most likely showing signs of intoxication with cocaine, a central nervous system stimulant.

Step-by-step explanation:

A client who comes to an urgent care clinic requesting zolpidem and presents with dilated pupils, elevated heart rate, and blood pressure may be showing signs of substance intoxication. The symptoms provided in the scenario such as dilated pupils (a common sign of sympathetic nervous system stimulation), elevated heart rate, and elevated blood pressure are more consistent with the use of a central nervous system stimulant rather than a depressant. Cocaine matches these symptoms more than the other options provided as it is a known central nervous stimulant that increases dopamine neurotransmission, leading to the described physiological effects.Barbiturates are central nervous system depressants that can cause dilated pupils, elevated heart rate, and high blood pressure. Additionally, barbiturate intoxication can lead to symptoms such as slurred speech, impaired coordination, and drowsiness.