Which of the following is included in the opioid overdose triad?

The opioid overdose triad is a classic set of symptoms used to identify an individual who may be experiencing an overdose due to opioid use. This triad typically includes respiratory depression, altered mental status, and pinpoint pupils.

Pinpoint pupils, or miosis, are a distinctive sign associated with opioid overdoses because opioids bind to specific receptors in the brain that lead to changes in pupil size. When someone is experiencing an overdose, their pupils often constrict significantly, which can be an important clue for bystanders and responders when assessing the situation. Recognizing pinpoint pupils can prompt quicker intervention, such as the administration of naloxone, a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

The other symptoms in the options, such as a rapid heartbeat or pupil dilation, do not characterize the typical presentation of an opioid overdose. Increased alertness is also not consistent with opioid effects, as opioids tend to produce sedation and decrease responsiveness rather than heighten alertness.