The patient had been abusing cocaine for several years. Recently, the patient snorted cocaine that was much purer than was thought, resulting in an overdose. The patient died in the emergency department
What does the nurse recognize as the most likely cause of death?
1. Cardiac arrest
2. Rhabdomyolysis
3. Impurities in the cocaine
4. Bowel ischemia
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale: Overdose of cocaine can result in dysrhythmias, convulsions, stroke, or death due to cardiac and respiratory arrest. Impurities in the cocaine would not have resulted in the death of the patient. Bowel ischemia would not occur with a cocaine overdose. Rhabdomyolysis would not occur with a cocaine overdose.
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