Philadelphia Fire Department Practice Exam

For a drug overdose patient exhibiting sleepiness or sluggishness, what is the recommended action?

1. Constant stimulation

2. Administering CPR

3. Letting him/her relax, but not sleep

4. First checking for dilation of pupils

The correct answer is: Constant stimulation

In the case of a drug overdose patient who is exhibiting sleepiness or sluggishness, constant stimulation is a crucial action because the patient may be in a state of decreased consciousness and could potentially progress to a more severe level of impairment. The aim of constant stimulation is to keep the patient aroused and to monitor their responsiveness. This approach helps ensure that the patient's airway remains clear and that they can respond to stimuli; it may also provide critical information on the patient’s level of consciousness and vital signs. This type of monitoring is important in identifying changes in the patient's condition that may require more urgent medical intervention. Letting the patient relax but not sleep would be less effective since sleepiness in an overdose situation could mask worsening symptoms. Administering CPR is not appropriate unless the patient is unresponsive and not breathing; it's a more advanced intervention that is not necessary in all cases of overdose. Checking for dilation of pupils is important for assessment but does not directly address the immediate need for monitoring and safety of the patient. Constant stimulation, therefore, is the most appropriate action to care for someone experiencing these symptoms.