NCLEX · Substance Use and Dependencies

A client is admitted for cocaine intoxication. Which assessment findings does the nurse MOST expect?

Correct answer

Agitation, euphoria, tachycardia, hypertension, dilated pupils (mydriasis), hyperthermia, and decreased appetite — cocaine is a CNS stimulant with intense but short-duration effects

  1. A Sedation, slow breathing, and pinpoint pupils
  2. B Agitation, euphoria, tachycardia, hypertension, dilated pupils (mydriasis), hyperthermia, and decreased appetite — cocaine is a CNS stimulant with intense but short-duration effects
  3. C Bradycardia and respiratory depression
  4. D No physiological signs — cocaine only affects mood

Why this is the answer

COCAINE INTOXICATION produces classic CNS STIMULANT effects because cocaine blocks the reuptake of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin — flooding the reward pathway and activating the sympathetic nervous system. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: NEUROLOGICAL/BEHAVIORAL: Euphoria (intense but brief — 15-30 minutes for intranasal; seconds to minutes for smoked 'crack'); agitation, grandiosity, talkativeness; impaired judgment; potential paranoia or psychosis with heavy use; CARDIOVASCULAR (most dangerous): Tachycardia; hypertension; cardiac dysrhythmias; coronary artery vasospasm (can cause MI even in young people with no underlying heart disease); cocaine-induced chest pain must be evaluated seriously; SYMPATHOMIMETIC: Mydriasis (dilated pupils); diaphoresis; hyperthermia; tremors; APPETITE SUPPRESSION; RESPIRATORY: Nasal septum damage with intranasal use; pulmonary edema with 'crack lung'; CRASH (post-intoxication): As cocaine wears off: profound fatigue, depression, hypersomnia, intense drug craving. NURSING CARE: Cardiac monitoring (MI risk); vital signs; benzodiazepines for agitation, hypertension, seizures (NOT beta-blockers — unopposed alpha stimulation can worsen hypertension); cool environment for hyperthermia; watch for cocaine-associated chest pain; CONTRAST WITH OPIOID INTOXICATION (often confused on tests): Opioids produce sedation, respiratory depression, MIOSIS (pinpoint pupils) — opposite of cocaine.
Source: NCLEX-PN Test Plan: Psychosocial — Substance Use, Cocaine Intoxication