A 36-year-old man is admitted to the hospital for treatment of large abscesses of both anterior thighs.He has multiple needle puncture sites on both arms and is drowsy during the nursing assessment.After 12 hours,which of the following signs would lead the nurse to suspect opioid abuse by the patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Diaphoresis (excessive sweating), restlessness, and lacrimation (tearing) are all classic signs of opioid withdrawal, suggesting that the patient has been regularly using opioids. While opioids can cause tachycardia and seizures, these are more likely to be seen with acute intoxication or overdose rather than chronic use. Depression, irritability, and disorientation are also common symptoms of withdrawal, but they are less specific to opioid use and may be seen in withdrawal from other substances as well. Gross tremor and hallucinations are not typically associated with opioid withdrawal.

A 36-Year-Old Man Is Admitted to the Hospital for Treatment