Question

A patient arrives in the ED staggering, agitated, hyperthermic with dilated pupils. Which of the following drugs in overdose is LEAST likely to produce these effects?

1) Aspirin
2) Tricyclic antidepressants
3) Atropine
4) Amphetamine

Answer 1

Aspirin is the least likely to cause agitation, staggering, hyperthermia, and dilated pupils. This contrasts with tricyclic antidepressants, atropine, and amphetamines, which can cause such symptoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

Drug Least Likely to Cause Presented Overdose Symptoms:

The patient is presenting with symptoms such as staggering, agitation, hyperthermia, and dilated pupils. Assessing the provided options, Aspirin is the drug least likely to produce these specific effects in overdose. Aspirin overdose typically involves different symptoms such as tinnitus (ringing in the ears), gastrointestinal distress, and in severe cases, it can lead to liver damage. On the other hand, tricyclic antidepressants, atropine, and amphetamine are known to cause symptoms like agitation, hyperthermia, and pupil dilation, aligning more closely with the presented case.

In contrast to the stimulating effects of the other drugs listed, aspirin does not commonly cause central nervous system agitation or hyperthermia but can cause other serious health issues when taken in excess, primarily affecting the gastrointestinal tract and liver. Hence, aspirin is the least likely among the choices to cause agitation, staggering, hyperthermia, and dilated pupils.