Alcohols

Question 1

Methanol

Answer 1

Colourless, volatile, and sweet tasting alcohol

Question 2

Common products containing methanol

Answer 2

-antifreeze
-fuels
-paint thinners

Question 3

How long does it take for methanol to be absorbed in the GI tract

Answer 3

30-60mins

Question 4

Is methanol itself toxic?

Answer 4

It is only toxic after it is metabolized by the liver which converts it into fromaldehyde

Question 5

Symptoms of methanol toxicity

Answer 5

-N/V
-Headache
-abdominal pain
-blurred vision / blindness
-AMS
-Dilated pupils that are sluggish
-Tachypnea
Hypotension

Question 6

Treatment of methanol toxicity

Answer 6

-a/w
-BGL
-sodium bicarbonate
-transport
-NO ACTIVATED CHARCOAL
-Have a drink (ethanol)

Question 7

Why is ethanol used to treat methanol toxicity

Answer 7

-Methanol and ethanol are both metabolized primarily in the liver be ADH
-ADH likes ethanol more than methanol and ethanol metabolism is preferential because its metabolites aren’t as toxic as methanols

Question 8

Ethylene Glycol

Answer 8

-colourless, vicious, sweet tasting liquid
-used as antifreeze

Question 9

Stage one of ethylene glycol poisoning (acute neurological phase)

Answer 9

-30mins-12hrs
CNS depression
-slurred speech
-nystagmus
-ataxia
Hallucinations
Seizures
Coma

Question 10

Stage 2 (cardiopulmonary phase)

Answer 10

-12-24hrs
-mild hypertension
-tachycardia
-tachypnea
-ARDS
-Circulatory collapse
-Myositis

Question 11

Stage 3 (renal phase)

Answer 11

-flank pain
-costophrenic angle pain
-hematuria
-proteinuria
24-72hrs

Question 12

Stage four (delayed neurological phase)

Answer 12

-6-12 days
-cranial neuropathy
-deafness
-facial diplegia (bilateral paralysis)
-coma
-personality changes
Total paralysis from peripheral calcium oxalate

Question 13

Treatment for ethylene glycol toxicity

Answer 13

Same as methanol
Hemodialysis

Question 14

Isopropyl alcohol

Answer 14

-clear colourless, sharp smelling and bitter tasting has uses that range from topical anesthetic to cleaning solutions
-Works as a CNS depressant

Question 15

Isopropyl alcohol toxicity

Answer 15

-inebriation
-acetone smell on breath
-neuromuscular in coordination
-confusion
-nystagmus
-coma
-abdominal pain
-vomiting
-hypotension
-upper GI bleeding

Question 16

Treatment for isopropyl toxicity

Answer 16

-supportive
-fluids for hypotension
-NO ETHANOL
-Dialysis

Question 17

The four stages of alcoholism

Answer 17

Stage 1 - tolerance
Stage 2 - memory lapses
Stage 3 - lack of control
Stage 4 - prolonged binges

Question 18

Alcoholic withdrawal syndrome

Answer 18

The name for symptoms that occur when a heavy drinker suddenly stops or significantly reduces their alcohol intake

Question 19

Minor withdrawal symptoms (1 day after cessation)

Answer 19

Anxiety
Insomnia
GI upset
Headache
Palpations
Anorexia

Question 20

Alcoholic Hallucinosis (1 Day after cessation)

Answer 20

Most commonly visual, also auditory or tactile
Usually resolves with 48 hours

Question 21

Withdrawal seizures (2 days after cessation)

Answer 21

Generalized tonic-clonic seizures
Can occur as early as 2 hours after cessation

Question 22

Delirium Tremens

Answer 22

Agitation
Hallucinations
Disorientation
Tachycardia
Hypertension
Fever
Diaphoresis
Peak at 5 days, lasts up to 7 days

Question 23

Why do people develop a dependency for alcohol

Answer 23

It’s is a CNS depressant
If used over a long period of time your body decreases GABA production in your CNS and increases the production of glutamate.
The excessive glutamate causes a hyper excitatory state without depressive counter measures

Question 24

Treatment for withdrawal

Answer 24

-supportive
-symptom control
-Benzos for seizures
-Valium as they detox

Question 25

Treatment for wernicke encephalopathy

Answer 25

Thiamine