For a patient experiencing an overdose through injection, what should you avoid doing?

In cases of a patient experiencing an overdose through injection, especially with substances that may cause swelling, pain, or potentially involve the injection site being a focus for worsening conditions, removing jewelry from the affected extremity can be risky. If there is significant swelling due to the overdose or injury, removing jewelry can lead to additional complications, such as constriction of blood flow or tissue damage.

If the patient is experiencing significant swelling or changes in circulation, the jewelry might not come off easily and could potentially cause more harm if forced off. Hence, it's important to consult medical protocols that often recommend leaving jewelry in place until further medical evaluation can be conducted, particularly in emergency settings.

Instead, other actions like applying cold packs may be used to control swelling, administering Narcan could be lifesaving if opioids are involved, and immobilizing the extremity is a standard procedure for managing potential injuries. Each of these options serves specific purposes in managing the patient's condition appropriately while ensuring safety and the best possible outcome.