Which of the following is a common symptom of opioid overdose?

• A. Severe agitation and confusion
• B. Bradycardia and pinpoint pupils
• C. Severe sweating and increased heart rate
• D. Jaundice and abdominal pain

Answer: (B)

In an opioid overdose, one of the hallmark symptoms is bradycardia, which refers to a slower than normal heart rate. Additionally, the presence of pinpoint pupils (myosis) is a classic sign associated with opioid use and overdose. Opioids act on the central nervous system, leading to respiratory depression, altered mental status, and the characteristic constriction of the pupils. These symptoms arise due to the way opioids interact with opioid receptors in the brain, resulting in decreased neurological activity and an overall sedative effect.

While other symptoms can be present in different scenarios or with other substances (like severe agitation or confusion associated with stimulants, or jaundice from liver failure), bradycardia and pinpoint pupils are specifically indicative of the effects caused by opioids. This makes option B the correct answer as it accurately identifies the symptoms commonly associated with an overdose of opioid medications.