Asked by rachel shaver on Sep 25, 2024

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A 45-year-old man is brought to the emergency department presenting with a respiratory rate of 6 breaths/min, and cardiac dysrhythmias. What is the most appropriate question the nurse should ask the patient's friend?

A) "Does he take amphetamines or uppers?"
B) "Has he ever used LSD?"
C) "Have you two been out of the country in the last 2 days?"
D) "Is he using any opioids such as heroin?"

Cardiac Dysrhythmias

Abnormal heart rhythms that can lead to various complications, including cardiac arrest.

Respiratory Rate

The number of breaths a person takes per minute, which is a vital sign used to assess the basic function of the respiratory system.

Opioids

A class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin as well as prescription pain relievers, used for their pain-relieving effects.

  • Assess risks associated with various substances and their acute physiological impacts.
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SC
Seneca College1 day ago
Final Answer :
D
Explanation :
The clinical manifestations of an opioid overdose include seizures, shock, respiratory depression, dysrhythmias, and altered level of consciousness. An opioid overdose is a medical emergency. Amphetamine overdose is ruled out because it causes hypertension and central nervous system disturbances such as paranoia, panic, and delusions. LSD overdose would also manifest with hypertension and tachypnea along with hallucinations and possible loss of contact with reality. Travel outside the country is unrelated.