COHN Toxicology and Biohazards Questions and Answers

Question 1

An employee in a battery manufacturing plant presents with peripheral neuropathy, abdominal pain, and irritability.
The occupational health nurse suspects chronic exposure to a heavy metal.
Which of the following is the MOST likely causative agent?

Accepted Answer

Lead

Answer

Cadmium

Answer

Mercury

Answer

Arsenic

Question 2

When reviewing a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for a new chemical being introduced in the workplace, the occupational health nurse notes it has a very low LD50 value. How should the nurse interpret this information?

Accepted Answer

A small amount of the substance is required to cause a lethal effect.

Answer

The chemical has low acute toxicity.

Answer

A large amount of the substance is required to cause a lethal effect.

Answer

The chemical is highly flammable but not very toxic.

Question 3

A laboratory worker accidentally splashes a chemical onto their forearm. Which route of entry is the primary concern for the occupational health nurse in this scenario?

Accepted Answer

Absorption

Answer

Inhalation

Answer

Ingestion

Answer

Injection

Question 4

Which of the following is a key component that MUST be included in an OSHA-required Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan?

Accepted Answer

The procedure for evaluating the circumstances surrounding an exposure incident.

Answer

A list of all employees' personal health conditions.

Answer

The brand names of all personal protective equipment (PPE) to be used.

Answer

A requirement for all employees to receive the influenza vaccine annually.

Question 5

An industrial painter who works with solvents complains of dizziness, headache, and confusion by the end of their shift. The occupational health nurse recognizes these as potential symptoms of acute toxicity primarily affecting which body system?

Accepted Answer

Central nervous system

Answer

Renal system

Answer

Gastrointestinal system

Answer

Integumentary system

Question 6

In toxicology, the term LC50 refers to which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The lethal concentration of an airborne substance that kills 50% of a test population.

Answer

The lowest concentration of a chemical that causes a chronic effect.

Answer

The legal concentration limit for a chemical in the workplace.

Answer

The lethal dose of a chemical when ingested by 50% of a test population.