On the scene of a drug-related emergency, a 22-year-old patient tells you that he has been taking amphetamines because he likes the way that they make him feel. Over the past two days, he has been taking more and more and today he feels as though his heart is racing. He also tells you that he recognizes he has a problem and wants to get help. When you are assessing the patient, which of the following signs or symptoms would provide further evidence that the patient indeed has been abusing amphetamines?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Increased blood pressure is a common physiological symptom of amphetamine abuse. Auditory hallucinations are more commonly associated with hallucinogenic drugs, constricted pupils are more commonly associated with opioid abuse, and fatigue and prolonged sleep are not typical symptoms of amphetamine abuse.

On the Scene of a Drug-Related Emergency, a 22-Year-Old Patient