A patient taking an antipsychotic becomes very sleepy, has shallow breathing and an oxygen saturation of 86%. Which action has the highest priority?
Correct answer: A. Support the airway and breathing, then seek urgent help
- A. Support the airway and breathing, then seek urgent help
- B. Offer oral fluids and reassess the patient after one hour
- C. Place the patient alone in a quiet room to promote sleep
- D. Encourage walking to reduce the sedative effect
Explanation
Shallow breathing and low oxygen saturation threaten breathing, so airway and breathing take priority over comfort or routine medication review. Urgent assistance and oxygen support according to local protocol are required. Oral fluids, isolation and walking are unsafe while the patient is hypoxic and over-sedated.
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About Analgesics and CNS Drugs
This area covers opioid and non-opioid analgesics, local anaesthetics, sedatives, anxiolytics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, antiepileptics and drugs for Parkinsonism. It examines therapeutic actions, dependence, respiratory depression, extrapyramidal effects, serotonin related toxicity and the distinction between pain relief, sedation and loss of consciousness.
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