An 18-year-old woman has been admitted to the intensive care unit after a suicide attempt.Initial assessment shows that her blood pressure is 90/46 mm Hg,pulse is 110 beats/min,respirations are 8 breaths/min,and she is exhibiting altered thought processes.The nurse concludes that she has most likely taken an overdose of which of the following substances?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A blood pressure of 90/46 mm Hg, pulse of 110 beats/min, and respirations of 8 breaths/min indicate CNS depression, which is a common effect of barbiturates. Altered thought processes are also a characteristic sign of barbiturate poisoning. Amphetamines would increase pulse and blood pressure, not decrease them, and would not cause altered thought processes. Methyl (wood)alcohol ingestion would cause metabolic acidosis and ocular symptoms, but not the vital sign and mental status changes seen in this case. Epinephrine would increase blood pressure and pulse, not decrease them, and it would not cause altered thought processes.

An 18-Year-Old Woman Has Been Admitted to the Intensive Care