A nurse in an emergency department is assessing an adolescent who reports inhalation of gasoline. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Gasoline inhalation is a form of hydrocarbon abuse commonly associated with inhalant use in adolescents. These substances rapidly affect the central nervous system because they are highly lipid-soluble and quickly cross the blood-brain barrier. Acute intoxication produces CNS depression similar to alcohol intoxication, leading to impaired coordination, dizziness, confusion, and slurred speech. Early recognition is important because severe exposure can also cause respiratory depression and cardiac dysrhythmias. Rationale: A. Pinpoint pupils are more commonly associated with opioid intoxication rather than hydrocarbon inhalation. Gasoline inhalation primarily causes central nervous system depression and neurologic impairment rather than the parasympathetic pupillary constriction seen with narcotic overdose. Therefore, this is not the expected finding. B. Hyperactive reflexes are not typical of gasoline inhalation because hydrocarbons usually depress the central nervous system rather than stimulate it. Clients are more likely to present with slowed responses, dizziness, and decreased coordination instead of exaggerated reflex activity. CNS depression is the more characteristic effect. C. Ataxia is expected because gasoline inhalation causes CNS depression that affects balance, coordination, and motor control. Adolescents may appear unsteady, stagger while walking, and have slurred speech similar to alcohol intoxication. This neurologic impairment is a common sign of inhalant abuse and should raise concern for hydrocarbon exposure. D. Hypothermia is not the primary expected finding with gasoline inhalation. Although environmental exposure may influence body temperature, the major acute effects involve neurologic depression, dizziness, and impaired coordination. Temperature changes are less characteristic than ataxia in this type of intoxication.