Which of the following are signs of sedative intoxication?

• A. Euphoria and agitation
• B. Nausea and vomiting only
• C. Increased appetite and hyperactivity
• D. Sedation, slurred speech, slowed respirations/HR, unconsciousness or death

Answer: (D)

Sedative intoxication shows a pattern of central nervous system depression: the person becomes drowsy or sedated, speech becomes slurred, breathing and heart rate slow, and in higher doses there can be unconsciousness or even death from respiratory failure. These signs reflect the calming, suppressive effect of sedatives on brain and body function. The other options don’t fit this pattern: euphoria and agitation point toward stimulant or mixed effects; nausea and vomiting alone aren’t the defining cluster of sedative intoxication; increased appetite and hyperactivity align more with stimulant-type effects. So the described signs are the best indicators of sedative intoxication.