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Toxicology and Substance Abuse Flashcards

7 cards from real AEMCA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. What is the antidote for acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose?

    Answer: N-acetylcysteine (NAC)

    N-acetylcysteine replenishes hepatic glutathione stores and prevents the hepatotoxicity caused by the toxic acetaminophen metabolite NAPQI.

  2. A patient presents with pinpoint pupils, decreased respirations, and altered mental status. Which class of drugs is most likely responsible?

    Answer: Opioids

    The classic opioid toxidrome includes miosis (pinpoint pupils), respiratory depression, and altered mental status — the life-threatening triad.

  3. Which is the first-line pharmacological treatment for organophosphate (pesticide) poisoning in the prehospital setting?

    Answer: Atropine

    Atropine blocks muscarinic receptors and reverses the excessive cholinergic secretions (SLUDGE signs) caused by organophosphate poisoning.

  4. What is the appropriate initial dose of naloxone for an adult with suspected opioid overdose?

    Answer: 0.4–2 mg IV/IM/IN titrated to effect

    Naloxone is given at 0.4–2 mg via IV, IM, or intranasal routes and titrated to restore adequate ventilation without precipitating withdrawal.

  5. A patient presents with hyperthermia, tachycardia, hypertension, dilated pupils, and severe agitation. Which toxidrome best describes this presentation?

    Answer: Sympathomimetic toxidrome

    The sympathomimetic toxidrome, caused by cocaine or amphetamines, features hyperthermia, hypertension, tachycardia, mydriasis, and agitation from excess catecholamine activity.

  6. Which of the following signs is characteristic of the cholinergic (SLUDGE) toxidrome?

    Answer: Excessive salivation and lacrimation

    SLUDGE (Salivation, Lacrimation, Urination, Defecation, GI distress, Emesis) describes the hypersecretory effects of excess acetylcholine in cholinergic toxicity.

  7. A patient has ingested a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) overdose. What is the most dangerous immediate complication?

    Answer: Cardiac dysrhythmias from sodium channel blockade

    TCA overdose blocks cardiac sodium channels causing QRS widening and life-threatening ventricular dysrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation.

Toxicology and Substance Abuse Flashcards — AEMCA Study Cards with Answers