Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam

Which sign would NOT suggest a possible opioid overdose?

1. Persistent anxiety

2. Respiratory depression

3. Pinpoint pupils

4. Unconsciousness

The correct answer is: Persistent anxiety

Persistent anxiety is not a sign typically associated with an opioid overdose. Opioids primarily act as central nervous system depressants, leading to effects such as respiratory depression, pinpoint pupils, and unconsciousness. Each of these symptoms stems from the way opioids interact with the brain and body: respiratory depression occurs due to decreased responsiveness in the brain's respiratory centers, pinpoint pupils are a classic sign of opioid use due to their effect on the parasympathetic nervous system, and unconsciousness can result from severe impairment of central nervous system function from opioid toxicity. In contrast, persistent anxiety generally indicates increased arousal or stress rather than the depressant effects caused by opioids.