NursingSprint

✔️ Oxycodone Toxicity Effects:

Oxycodone is an opioid analgesic that causes CNS depression. An overdose of oxycodone typically results in sedation, drowsiness, and decreased alertness as the body's response to excessive opioid effects.

✔️ Opioid Effects:

In cases of opioid overdose, the primary effects are sedation and respiratory depression, with a reduced level of consciousness. This is in contrast to stimulants or other drug overdoses that may cause agitation or increased activity.

✔️ Clinical Observations:

According to opioid overdose protocols, sedation is one of the most common and early signs, along with respiratory depression and miosis (pinpoint pupils).

Educational Insight:

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) highlights that opioid overdose, including that from oxycodone, causes respiratory depression, sedation, and decreased responsiveness, and that immediate administration of naloxone is essential in such cases.

Incorrect Options:

"A. Tachycardia"

Tachycardia is typically not associated with an opioid overdose; opioids usually cause bradycardia (slowed heart rate).

"B. Tachypnea"

Tachypnea (increased respiratory rate) is uncommon in opioid overdose. Instead, opioids cause hypoventilation or respiratory depression, leading to a slow or shallow breathing pattern.

"D. Dilated pupils"

Opioid overdose typically causes constricted pupils (miosis), not dilated pupils. Dilated pupils are more commonly associated with stimulant overdoses (e.g., cocaine, amphetamines).