Toxicological Emergencies Flashcards
6 cards from real AMLS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Toxicological Emergencies flashcards as text
Which antidote is used for cyanide poisoning in the United States?
Answer: Hydroxocobalamin (Cyanokit)
Hydroxocobalamin binds cyanide to form cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12), which is safely excreted renally and is the preferred US antidote.
A patient ingested a large quantity of aspirin (salicylates). Which acid-base disturbance is expected in severe toxicity?
Answer: Mixed respiratory alkalosis and metabolic acidosis
Salicylate toxicity initially causes respiratory alkalosis (direct stimulation of respiratory center) followed by metabolic acidosis from uncoupled oxidative phosphorylation.
Which substance causes profound metabolic acidosis with an elevated anion gap, optic nerve damage, and blindness?
Answer: Methanol
Methanol is metabolized to formaldehyde and formic acid, which damages the optic nerve and causes high anion gap metabolic acidosis.
What is the antidote for benzodiazepine overdose?
Answer: Flumazenil
Flumazenil competitively antagonizes benzodiazepine binding at GABA receptors; use cautiously as it can precipitate seizures in chronic BZD users.
A patient presents with hyperthermia, muscle rigidity, and altered mental status after starting an antipsychotic. This is most consistent with:
Answer: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
NMS is caused by dopamine blockade from antipsychotics, presenting with hyperthermia, lead-pipe rigidity, altered mentation, and autonomic instability.
In digoxin toxicity, which electrolyte abnormality worsens the toxicity and dysrhythmias?
Answer: Hypokalemia
Hypokalemia potentiates digoxin toxicity by increasing digoxin binding to Na+/K+ ATPase and increasing automaticity, worsening dysrhythmias.