An unconscious patient is brought to the emergency department with a suspected heroin overdose.Which vital signs support the suspected diagnosis?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The vital signs of a low blood pressure (BP) of 70/40 mm Hg, tachycardia with a pulse (P) of 100 beats/min, and bradypnea with respirations (R) of only 10 breaths/min are supportive of a heroin overdose. Heroin is a central nervous system depressant and can lead to respiratory depression, which can cause low oxygen levels and ultimately result in respiratory arrest. The tachycardia is likely due to compensatory mechanisms from the low oxygen levels.

An Unconscious Patient Is Brought to the Emergency Department with a Suspected