Toxicology

Topics in this chapter

• General Toxicology and Antidotes
• Heavy Metal Poisoning
• Alcohol and Glycol Poisoning
• Gaseous and Cellular Poisons
• Organophosphate Poisoning
• Opioid Poisoning
• Phosphorus and Phosphide Poisoning
• Post-Mortem Toxicology

Practice questions

1. Question 1Q-66669E

   A 35-year-old agricultural worker presents with excessive salivation, lacrimation, urination, diarrhea, gastrointestinal cramps, and miosis after spraying crops. Which of the following is the primary mechanism of action of the suspected poison?

   1. A.Irreversible inhibition of acetylcholinesterase
   2. B.Competitive antagonism at muscarinic receptors
   3. C.Blockade of voltage-gated sodium channels in nerve axons
   4. D.Uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation
   See the answer and solution
2. Question 2Q-1C3A06

   An unconscious young adult is brought to the emergency department. Examination reveals pinpoint pupils, severe respiratory depression, and track marks on the upper extremities. Which antidote should be administered immediately?

   1. A.Flumazenil
   2. B.Naloxone
   3. C.Atropine
   4. D.N-acetylcysteine
   See the answer and solution
3. Question 3Q-E0FC00

   A patient consumes an unknown rat poison containing zinc phosphide. Upon reaching the hospital, the vomitus emits a distinct odor. What is the characteristic smell associated with this compound?

   1. A.Bitter almonds
   2. B.Garlic or decaying fish
   3. C.Rotten eggs
   4. D.Pears or solvent-like
   See the answer and solution
4. Question 4Q-92442B

   A 40-year-old metal worker presents with severe colicky abdominal pain, constipation, wrist drop, and dark lines along the gingival margins. Laboratory investigation reveals microcytic hypochromic anemia with basophilic stippling. Which poison is responsible?

   1. A.Arsenic
   2. B.Mercury
   3. C.Lead
   4. D.Copper
   See the answer and solution
5. Question 5Q-13B1BA

   Post-mortem examination of a victim who died rapidly after consuming a substance reveals bright red (cherry-red) lividity and the smell of bitter almonds from the gastric contents. Which poison is most likely involved?

   1. A.Carbon monoxide
   2. B.Hydrocyanic acid (Cyanide)
   3. C.Strychnine
   4. D.Methyl alcohol
   See the answer and solution