BCEN Toxicology 2

Question 1

A patient presents with bradycardia, hypotension, and bronchospasm after ingesting a medication. Which antidote is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Atropine and glucagon

Answer

Beta-blocker toxicity causes bradycardia, hypotension, and bronchospasm; atropine addresses bradycardia and glucagon reverses cardiac effects.

Question 2

Which finding is MOST consistent with serotonin syndrome rather than neuroleptic malignant syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Clonus and hyperreflexia

Answer

Clonus and hyperreflexia are hallmark features of serotonin syndrome, distinguishing it from NMS which presents with lead-pipe rigidity.

Question 3

A patient with acetaminophen overdose presents 20 hours post-ingestion. The Rumack-Matthew nomogram indicates toxic levels. What is the priority intervention?

Accepted Answer

Initiate N-acetylcysteine immediately

Answer

N-acetylcysteine is effective and should be started even at 20 hours post-ingestion when serum levels indicate toxicity.

Question 4

Which ECG change is the MOST sensitive indicator of tricyclic antidepressant toxicity?

Accepted Answer

QRS duration greater than 100 ms

Answer

QRS widening greater than 100 ms is the most sensitive ECG marker for TCA toxicity and predicts risk of seizures and dysrhythmias.

Question 5

A child ingests iron tablets. Which laboratory finding indicates severe iron toxicity?

Accepted Answer

Serum iron level greater than 500 mcg/dL

Answer

Serum iron greater than 500 mcg/dL indicates severe toxicity and typically warrants deferoxamine chelation therapy.

(BCEN) Board of Certification of Emergency Nursing Practice Test

(BCEN) Board of Certification of Emergency Nursing Practice Test

BCEN Toxicology 2