A newly licensed and board-certified PMHNP has accepted a position at an inpatient substance use treatment facility. Because opioid withdrawal and benzodiazepine withdrawal can involve similar symptoms, distinguishing between the two can be difficult. Which of the following symptoms would aid the PMHNP in making a correct diagnosis of opioid withdrawal?

Choice A reason: Nausea and vomiting are common in both opioid and benzodiazepine withdrawal. They are nonspecific symptoms and do not help differentiate between the two conditions. Choice B reason: Frequent yawning is a hallmark symptom of opioid withdrawal and is not typically seen in benzodiazepine withdrawal. It is a distinctive autonomic sign that can help clinicians identify opioid withdrawal. Choice C reason: Restlessness and agitation are seen in both types of withdrawal. While they are important clinical features, they do not help distinguish between opioid and benzodiazepine withdrawal. Choice D reason: Anxiety is a prominent symptom in benzodiazepine withdrawal and can also occur in opioid withdrawal. However, it is more characteristic of benzodiazepine withdrawal and does not serve as a distinguishing feature.