What is a sign that a patient may be experiencing a medication overdose?

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Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is a common sign that may indicate a medication overdose. When a patient overdoses on certain medications, especially those that depress the central nervous system such as opioids or sedatives, their cardiovascular system can be negatively impacted, leading to a decrease in blood pressure. This is a critical sign that warrants immediate medical attention, as it can indicate a serious compromise to the patient's circulatory and overall physiological stability. Recognizing hypotension as a potential result of an overdose can help healthcare providers intervene promptly to prevent further complications.

In contrast, the other options like increased appetite, improved emotional stability, and increased physical activity would typically not be associated with an overdose scenario. Instead, they may signal normal physiological responses or improvements in the patient's condition that do not correlate with the danger of an overdose. Understanding the implications of each symptom related to medication management and potential overdose is crucial for maintaining patient safety.

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