What should be prioritized for a patient suspected of an overdose?

For a patient suspected of an overdose, prioritizing clearing the airway is essential because compromised airway integrity can lead to inadequate oxygenation and ultimately result in respiratory failure or death. Overdoses frequently involve substances that can depress respiratory function, leading to potential airway obstruction due to decreased consciousness, relaxed throat muscles, or vomiting. Ensuring the airway is clear allows for proper ventilation and oxygen delivery, which are critical in emergency situations involving overdose.

After securing the airway, other assessments and interventions, such as lung auscultation to check for respiratory patterns, taking a medical history to gather details on the substances involved, or administering IV fluids to support circulation, can follow. However, these actions cannot be effectively performed if the patient’s airway is blocked, highlighting the crucial need to prioritize airway management first.