AMLS Toxicological Emergencies 2

Question 1

Which toxin causes a 'sympathomimetic toxidrome' with hyperthermia, tachycardia, hypertension, and agitation?

Accepted Answer

Cocaine or amphetamines

Answer

Cocaine and amphetamines cause the sympathomimetic toxidrome by blocking catecholamine reuptake or increasing release, producing excess adrenergic stimulation.

Question 2

What is the treatment for organophosphate poisoning causing SLUDGE symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Atropine and pralidoxime (2-PAM)

Answer

Atropine blocks muscarinic effects and is given in large doses, while pralidoxime (2-PAM) reactivates acetylcholinesterase before aging occurs.

Question 3

Carbon monoxide poisoning should be treated with which intervention?

Accepted Answer

100% oxygen via non-rebreather mask or hyperbaric oxygen

Answer

High-flow 100% oxygen competes with CO for hemoglobin binding and reduces CO half-life from 5 hours to approximately 60–90 minutes.

Question 4

A widened QRS complex and sodium channel blockade are hallmarks of toxicity from which drug class?

Accepted Answer

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

Answer

TCA overdose blocks cardiac sodium channels causing QRS widening (>100 ms), dysrhythmias, hypotension, and seizures.

Question 5

Which treatment reverses the QRS widening caused by TCA overdose?

Accepted Answer

Sodium bicarbonate IV bolus

Answer

Sodium bicarbonate increases serum pH and sodium load, reversing sodium channel blockade and narrowing the widened QRS in TCA overdose.

AMLS - Advanced Medical Life Support Practice Test

AMLS - Advanced Medical Life Support Practice Test

AMLS Toxicological Emergencies 2