During an assessment the nurse suspects that a victim of a motor vehicle crash is a narcotic substance user. Which assessment findings would confirm the nurse's suspicion?

Question

Select all that apply.

1. small pupils
2. dilated pupils
3. unequal pupil size
4. poor pupillary response to light
5. one dilated and unresponsive pupil

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1, 4
The use of morphine and narcotic drugs may cause small pupils with poor response to light. The use of anticholinergic drugs such as atropine may cause dilated, poorly responsive pupils. Pupils that are unequal in size may indicate previous eye surgery or a serious neurologic problem, such as increased intracranial pressure. One dilated and unresponsive pupil may indicate paralysis of the oculomotor nerve.