New York State Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) Practice Exam

What is the initial action for a patient presenting with altered mental status and suspected drug overdose?

1. Perform a blood glucose test

2. Administer activated charcoal

3. Check vital signs

4. Call for medical support

The correct answer is: Check vital signs

When a patient presents with altered mental status and a suspected drug overdose, the priority is to gather crucial information that can help guide further medical intervention. Checking vital signs is essential in this scenario because it provides immediate insight into the patient's overall condition. Vital signs—such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation—can indicate whether the patient is in critical distress and help identify potential complications, such as respiratory depression or shock, that require urgent intervention. This assessment can also help determine the severity of the overdose and guide subsequent treatment decisions. While performing a blood glucose test can be important in cases of altered mental status to rule out hypoglycemia, it is only one part of a more comprehensive evaluation. Administering activated charcoal may be appropriate in some overdose cases, but it must be done under specific conditions and after assessing the patient's airway and ability to protect it, which cannot be confirmed without first checking vital signs. Calling for medical support is crucial as well, but it should come after the initial assessment of the patient's condition. Thus, checking vital signs first is critical to ensure that any immediate life threats are addressed promptly.