Which of the following findings would support the suspicion of an opioid overdose?

Respiratory depression is a key indicator of an opioid overdose. Opioids work by binding to specific receptors in the brain that not only help manage pain but also suppress the respiratory system. When someone has overdosed on opioids, their breathing can slow significantly or even stop, which is a critical and life-threatening situation. This finding is crucial for healthcare providers as it requires immediate intervention, such as rescue breathing or the administration of naloxone, to restore normal breathing.

While rapid heartbeat, excessive sweating, and high blood pressure can occur in various medical situations, they are not specific indicators of opioid overdose. For instance, rapid heartbeat and high blood pressure might be seen in cases of anxiety or stimulants, whereas excessive sweating could be related to many other factors including pain or stress. Therefore, recognizing respiratory depression as the hallmark sign of opioid overdose is essential for effective emergency care.