What is the suspected cause of Duane Burton's agitation and disorientation?

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The suspected cause of Duane Burton's agitation and disorientation is linked to cocaine toxicity. Cocaine is a powerful central nervous system stimulant that can lead to a range of acute symptoms, including agitation, restlessness, and disorientation. These symptoms often result from the drug’s effects on dopamine pathways in the brain, which can heighten arousal and lead to behavioral changes.

When a person is under the influence of cocaine, they may exhibit signs such as increased heart rate, heightened alertness, and significant anxiety or agitation. In emergency situations, healthcare providers often assess for toxicological causes of agitation and confusion, and drugs like cocaine are commonly considered due to their prevalence and pronounced neurological effects.

The other options might also lead to symptoms like confusion or altered mental status, but cocaine toxicity is more directly associated with rapid onset agitation and behavioral changes seen in a clinical setting. For instance, while alcohol toxicity can also cause confusion and disorientation, it typically results in more subdued behavior rather than the hyperactivity associated with cocaine. Hence, in this context of acute agitation and disorientation, cocaine toxicity is the most plausible explanation.

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