Which of the following is part of the diagnostic criteria for opioid intoxication?

Which of the following is part of the diagnostic criteria for opioid intoxication?

• A. Pupillary dilation
• B. Pupillary constriction
• C. Hyperglycemia
• D. Tachycardia

Answer: (B)

Opioid intoxication most clearly presents with constricted pupils (miosis). This pupil constriction reflects the drug’s action on mu receptors and the resulting increase in parasympathetic activity, which is a hallmark feature used to identify opioid intoxication, often alongside sedation and slowed respiration. Pupillary dilation would be more indicative of opioid withdrawal, not intoxication, and tachycardia is not typical of opioid intoxication (it’s more associated with withdrawal or other substances), while hyperglycemia is not a characteristic sign of opioid intoxication.

Opioid intoxication most clearly presents with constricted pupils (miosis). This pupil constriction reflects the drug’s action on mu receptors and the resulting increase in parasympathetic activity, which is a hallmark feature used to identify opioid intoxication, often alongside sedation and slowed respiration. Pupillary dilation would be more indicative of opioid withdrawal, not intoxication, and tachycardia is not typical of opioid intoxication (it’s more associated with withdrawal or other substances), while hyperglycemia is not a characteristic sign of opioid intoxication.