The Psychiatric Technician is observing the client for early symptoms of opiate withdrawal. Which of the following would the Psychiatric Technician most likely observe?

The Psychiatric Technician is observing the client for early symptoms of opiate withdrawal. Which of the following would the Psychiatric Technician most likely observe?

• A. Dry skin and dry mouth.
• B. Perspiration and runny nose.
• C. Vague malaise and depression.
• D. Increased appetite.

Answer: (B)

Recognizing the early signs of opioid withdrawal hinges on autonomic overactivity after stopping opioids. Early withdrawal typically presents with excessive sweating and nasal symptoms such as a runny nose (rhinorrhea), along with tearing and yawning, reflecting the surge of sympathetic activity as the body readjusts to the absence of opioid effect. This combination—perspiration with a runny nose—best matches the initial withdrawal picture. Dry skin and dry mouth suggest dehydration or anticholinergic effects, not the typical withdrawal pattern. Vague malaise and depression are nonspecific and not the hallmark early signs, and increased appetite is not characteristic of early opioid withdrawal.

Recognizing the early signs of opioid withdrawal hinges on autonomic overactivity after stopping opioids. Early withdrawal typically presents with excessive sweating and nasal symptoms such as a runny nose (rhinorrhea), along with tearing and yawning, reflecting the surge of sympathetic activity as the body readjusts to the absence of opioid effect. This combination—perspiration with a runny nose—best matches the initial withdrawal picture.

Dry skin and dry mouth suggest dehydration or anticholinergic effects, not the typical withdrawal pattern. Vague malaise and depression are nonspecific and not the hallmark early signs, and increased appetite is not characteristic of early opioid withdrawal.