Difficulties in Diagnosing Narcotic Overdoses in Hospitalized Paitents

Abstract

Narcotic overdoses in hospitalized patients seldom fit the classic description. The lack of respiratory depression does not mean the absence of a narcotic overdose. Patients who receive narcotics and develop a significant decrease in mental status should be evaluated for a possible overdose. Pulmonary, neurologic, cardiovascular, and electrolyte abnormalities often are misdiagnosed as a narcotic overdose in hospitalized patients.