Sedative-hypnotics hypothermia caused

Patients with ethanol or sedative-hypnotic overdose may be euphoric and rowdy ("drunk") or in a state of stupor or coma ("dead drunk"). Comatose patients often have depressed respiratory drive. Depression of protective airway reflexes may result in aspiration of gastric contents. Hypothermia may be present because of environmental exposure and depressed shivering. Ethanol blood levels greater than 300 mg/dL usually cause deep coma, but regular users are often tolerant to the effects of ethanol and may be ambulatory despite even higher levels. Patients with GHB overdose are often deeply comatose for 3-4 hours and then awaken fully in a matter of minutes. 

Aspirin, sympathomimetics, agents with muscarinic blocking actions, and drugs that cause muscle rigidity or seizures are all likely to cause hyperthermia at toxic doses. Hypothermia is more typical of overdoses with opioids or sedative-hypnotics. The answer is (C). 

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