When treating a patient for an overdose, the highest priority of care is placed on:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Managing the airway and breathing is the highest priority of care when treating a patient for an overdose as respiratory distress can quickly lead to death. Once the patient's airway and breathing are stabilized, other interventions can be implemented. Determining the drug and amount taken is important, but not as critical as ensuring the patient's breathing is adequate. Establishing the patient's risk for suicide and contacting law enforcement may be appropriate, but they are not the highest priority in the immediate management of an overdose.

When Treating a Patient for an Overdose, the Highest Priority