American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Assessment Practice Test

A patient suffering from an opiate overdose typically exhibits several characteristic signs due to the depressant effects of opiates on the central nervous system. One common sign is coma, as overdose leads to decreased levels of consciousness. Another prominent sign is pinpoint pupils, a result of opiate action on the pupillary sphincter muscle. Needle marks may be present if the patient has a history of intravenous drug use, as opiates are often administered this way.

In contrast, increased respiration is not a typical sign associated with opiate overdose. Opiates are known to slow respiration significantly, which is one of the life-threatening effects of an overdose. Patients may have respiratory depression, leading to decreased respiratory rates and potentially life-threatening hypoxia. Therefore, an increase in respiration would not be expected in this clinical situation. Understanding these typical signs helps in identifying and managing opiate overdoses effectively.