NREMT Paramedic Practice

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Prepare for the NREMT Paramedic Exam with comprehensive quizzes that cover essential topics, including patient assessment, treatment protocols, and emergency medical care. With multiple-choice questions and detailed explanations, you'll be ready to excel in your certification test.

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What symptom is associated with benzodiazepine overdose?

Increased heart rate
Excessive drooling
Severe headache
Hallucinations

The correct answer is: Excessive drooling

Benzodiazepine overdose is primarily characterized by symptoms of central nervous system depression. Excessive drooling, which may occur due to decreased muscle control and diminished autonomic regulation, is a notable symptom of this condition. In an overdose scenario, the depressant effect of benzodiazepines can lead to altered mental status, which may encompass confusion and decreased ability to coordinate oral and facial muscles, thereby resulting in difficulty swallowing or managing saliva production. While increased heart rate, severe headache, and hallucinations can be associated with other conditions or substances, these symptoms are less typical for benzodiazepine overdose specifically. The sedative effects of benzodiazepines generally lead to lower heart rates, and they tend to induce sedation rather than stimulation, making hallucinations uncommon in overdose cases. Recognizing excessive drooling helps healthcare providers to identify the clinical effects of benzodiazepines accurately and understand the associated manifestations of overdose.