Paramedics Exam Toxicology and Poisoning 3

Question 1

A patient on digoxin presents with nausea, yellow-green visual halos, and AV block. What is the definitive treatment?

Accepted Answer

Digoxin-specific antibody fragments (Digibind/DigiFab)

Answer

Digoxin-specific Fab antibody fragments directly bind and neutralize digoxin molecules in the bloodstream, reversing toxicity rapidly.

Question 2

A patient overdosed on verapamil presents with bradycardia, hypotension, and hyperglycemia. What is the most appropriate first-line antidote?

Accepted Answer

Calcium chloride 1 g IV

Answer

Intravenous calcium directly competes with the excess calcium channel blockade by raising extracellular calcium levels, partially restoring cardiac conduction and contractility.

Question 3

A child ingested iron tablets and presents with vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Which chelating agent is indicated?

Accepted Answer

Deferoxamine

Answer

Deferoxamine specifically chelates free iron, forming water-soluble ferrioxamine that is excreted in the urine, and is the antidote of choice for iron poisoning.

Question 4

Multiple patients are exposed to a nerve agent (VX) during a chemical attack. Which medication combination is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Atropine and pralidoxime (2-PAM)

Answer

Atropine blocks excess muscarinic stimulation and pralidoxime reactivates inhibited acetylcholinesterase before irreversible aging occurs in nerve agent exposure.

Question 5

A 19-year-old presents with hallucinations, agitation, and tachycardia after ingesting psilocybin mushrooms. Which intervention is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Provide a calm environment and consider benzodiazepines for severe agitation

Answer

Hallucinogen intoxication is best managed with a calm, quiet environment and benzodiazepines for severe agitation; physical restraints alone can worsen agitation and cause rhabdomyolysis.

Paramedics Exam Practice Test

Paramedics Exam Practice Test

Paramedics Exam Toxicology and Poisoning 3