A nurse cares for a patient experiencing an opioid overdose. Which focused assessment has the highest priority?

A. Neurological assessment is important, but not the priority since opioid overdose primarily causes life-threatening respiratory depression. B. Respiratory assessment is the highest priority because opioids suppress the respiratory center, leading to hypoventilation, hypoxia, or apnea. C. Hepatic assessment is not the immediate concern in acute overdose. D. Cardiovascular assessment is necessary, but respiratory status takes precedence because airway and breathing are life-sustaining priorities.