What is the best treatment for a 17-year-old male who ingested 20 diazepam tablets and is unresponsive?

In the scenario of a 17-year-old male who has ingested 20 diazepam tablets and is unresponsive, the most appropriate initial treatment is to secure the airway and provide adequate ventilation. Inserting a nasopharyngeal airway and using a bag-valve-mask is essential because diazepam is a central nervous system depressant that can lead to respiratory depression or complete airway obstruction.

Maintaining an open airway is critical, especially if the patient is unresponsive and unable to protect their airway. Using a nasopharyngeal airway helps in facilitating ventilation by preventing the tongue from obstructing the airway, while the bag-valve-mask allows for effective breath delivery to the lungs. This approach ensures that the patient receives adequate oxygenation and ventilation while further assessment and interventions are being prepared.

Other options do not provide the immediate support needed. Administering activated charcoal is not appropriate in cases of altered mental status due to the risk of aspiration and would typically not be done until the airway is secured. Intubation may be necessary if the airway cannot be effectively managed but is generally considered after attempting simpler airway management techniques. Administering naloxone is not appropriate here because naloxone is an opioid antagonist and would not counteract