Which of the following is a sign of opioid overdose?

Coma is a well-documented sign of opioid overdose, which occurs when there are excessively high levels of opioid substances in the body, leading to a significant depression of the central nervous system. In cases of overdose, the brain’s normal functions are severely impaired, often resulting in a state where the individual is unresponsive and cannot be awakened, thereby fitting the definition of a coma.

Opioids work by binding to specific receptors in the brain that control pain and also affect areas responsible for consciousness and respiratory drive. In overdose situations, this can lead to respiratory depression, decreased consciousness, and potentially coma. Recognizing this sign is crucial because rapid medical intervention can be lifesaving.

In contrast, other options like increased heart rate, extreme agitation, or dilated pupils may not directly indicate an opioid overdose. For instance, increased heart rate is often more associated with withdrawal symptoms rather than overdose. Agitation can occur in various situations and does not exclusively signal overdose. Finally, while opioid usage can sometimes lead to pinpoint pupils (miosis), the pupils may appear dilated due to other factors, such as the presence of stimulants or withdrawal conditions. Hence, coma remains a definitive indicator of opioid overdose.