TOX 3 - Mercury

Question 1

Source

Answer 1

Medical
Industrial
Domestic

Question 2

Elemental mercury exposure

Answer 2

Absorption - respiratory tract (liquid)
Distribution - CNS and kidneys
Elimination - urine

Question 3

Inorganic/organic exposure

Answer 3

Absorption - GI
Distribution - both kidney, and organic may also target brain and blood
Elimination - urine

Question 4

Pharmocodynamics

Answer 4

Readily binds to sulfhydryl groups -> enzyme inhibition and protein precipitation

Question 5

Acute intoxication cause

Answer 5

Mainly inorganic

Question 6

Acute intoxication overall effects

Answer 6

Precipitation of proteins damages mucosa and induces vomiting, followed by mucosal destruction and critical organ damage

Question 7

Acute intoxication treatment

Answer 7

Removal of exposure

Chelating treatment with dimercaprol

Supportive therapy

Question 8

Chronic intoxication

Answer 8

Less heavy on kidneys and GI, and is affecting CNS more

Treatment is mainly symptomatic