AEMCA Toxicology and Substance Abuse

Question 1

What is the antidote for acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose?

Accepted Answer

N-acetylcysteine (NAC)

Answer

Naloxone

Answer

Flumazenil

Answer

Activated charcoal alone

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Opioids

Answer

Stimulants (cocaine/amphetamines)

Answer

Benzodiazepines

Answer

Anticholinergics

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Atropine

Answer

Naloxone

Answer

Flumazenil

Answer

Physostigmine

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

0.4–2 mg IV/IM/IN titrated to effect

Answer

0.1 mg IV only

Answer

5–10 mg IV bolus

Answer

0.01 mg/kg IV push

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Sympathomimetic toxidrome

Answer

Opioid toxidrome

Answer

Cholinergic toxidrome

Answer

Sedative-hypnotic toxidrome

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Excessive salivation and lacrimation

Answer

Dry mouth and skin

Answer

Urinary retention

Answer

Mydriasis (dilated pupils)

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Cardiac dysrhythmias from sodium channel blockade

Answer

Respiratory depression

Answer

Acute kidney failure

Answer

Liver failure within 24 hours