NCAD CE - Household Poisonings Flashcards

1
Q

T/F: The calcium oxalate crystal contained within the Deffenbachia plant is poisonous.

A

False. The crystal itself causes microlacerations to the soft-tissue of the oropharynx and laryngopharynx. That is why the patient exhibits swelling, difficulty speaking, numbness, and drooling.

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2
Q

What are the main S/S of aloe vera ingestion?

A. Coma
B. Seizure
C. N/V/D
D. Hypoglycemia

A

C. N/V/D

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3
Q

The toxin contained within poinsettia plants is ______.

A. latex
B. cyanide
C. calcium oxalate
D. sodium hypochlorite

A

A. latex

Pt’s with a latex allergy may present with S/S of allergy or anaphylaxis. Treat according to allergic reaction/anaphylaxis protocols.

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4
Q

A study in the Am. Journal of EM regarding 22,793 poinsettia ingestions recorded ____ fatalities.

A

zero

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5
Q

Explain the mechanism of action of the toxin of the foxglove plant.

A

It is digitalis, and blocks the normal cellular Na-K ATPase. This, in turn, prevents increase of the [Na+]o. In doing so, the Na+-Ca2+ exchange pump ceases to work, and Calcium remains high intracellularly, strengthening cardiac contractility.

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6
Q

Common S/S of foxglove toxicity

A
  • N/V/D
  • Heart block
  • Bradycardia
  • Tachycardia (compensatory mechanism)
  • Deep STD (‘Dali’s mustache’) Hallmark of ECG
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7
Q

Nightshade (“Bella Donna”) contains what toxin?

A. digitalis
B. calcium oxalate crystals
C. cyanide
D. atropine

A

D. atropine

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8
Q

Atropine is a(n) _____ compound.

A. acetylcholinesterase inhibitor
B. anti-cholinergic
C. cardiac glycoside
D. electron transport chain inhibitor

A

B. anti-cholinergic

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9
Q

Explain the anticholinergic toxidrome mnemonic.

A

Hot as a hare: increased body temperature
Blind as a bat: mydriasis (dilated pupils)
Dry as a bone: dry mouth, dry eyes, decreased sweat
Red as a beet: flushed face
Mad as a hatter: delirium

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10
Q

Explain why anticholinergic toxicity prevents sweating.

A

Eccrine sweat glands are activated by ACh. Anticholinergic drugs such as atropine prevent their activation, thereby stopping a patient from sweating.

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