Chapter 25 Poisoning and Overdose Emergencies

The term poison is best described as any substance that can do which of the following? A) Increase cellular activity B) Deactivate nerve transmission C) Depress the body's respirations D) Harm the body

D) Harm the body

Which of the following describes any substance produced by a living organism that is poisonous to human beings? A) Antibody B) Acid C) Toxin D) Antigen

C) Toxin

By definition, a systemic poison causes harm to which of the following? A) Stomach and intestines B) Localized areas of tissue C) Specific organ D) Entire body

D) Entire body

Volatile chemicals are agents that are able to change easily from a ________ into a ________. A) solid, vapor B) solid, liquid C) gas, liquid D) liquid, gas

D) liquid, gas

Which of the following is a substance that will neutralize a poison or its effects? A) Deactivator B) Antidote C) Antibody D) Vaccine

B) Antidote

Most cases of accidental poisoning involve which of the following? A) Infants B) Adults C) Adolescents D) Young children

D) Young children

Which of the following groups is the most susceptible to the effects of a poison? A) Pre-teens B) Adults C) Elderly D) Teenager

C) Elderly

Which of the following most affects the extent of damage a poison does to the body? A) Patient's race, age, and medications taken B) Patient's genetics, height, and medications taken C) Patient's nutritional status, genetics, and strength of the immune system D) Patient's age, weight, and general health

D) Patient's age, weight, and general health

Which of the following is not a way in which poisons can access the body? A) Injection B) Inhalation C) Radiation D) Absorption

C) Radiation

Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs by which of the following routes? A) Absorption B) Inhalation C) Radiation D) Aspiration

B) Inhalation

Which of the following is one of the most common inhaled poisons associated with fire suppression? A) Carbon dioxide B) Chlorine gas C) Hydrogen sulfide D) Carbon monoxide

D) Carbon monoxide

You have just arrived on the scene of an agricultural business and see three men coming out of a building, choking and holding their heads. One of the men tells you there are two workers still inside. What should you do next? A) Call for properly trained assistance and stay a safe distance away from the scene B) Cover your nose and mouth with a wet towel and check on the status of the two workers inside C) Get the assistance of the men who made it out to prevent delay in finding the workers inside D) Evaluate the three men and administer high-concentration oxygen, then help them get a safe distance away

A) Call for properly trained assistance and stay a safe distance away from the scene

How does carbon monoxide cause toxic effects? A) Causes red blood cells to clump together B) Prevents the blood from clotting C) Prevents red blood cells from carrying oxygen D) Prevents red blood cells from releasing carbon dioxide

C) Prevents red blood cells from carrying oxygen

You are called to a farm for a possible insecticide poisoning of one of the workers. Your first action is to: A) Decontaminate the patient B) Bag the patient before he dies C) Call for specialized hazardous materials units D) Call for an ALS unit

C) Call for specialized hazardous materials units

Which of the following is a common sign and symptom in poisonings of all types? A) Nausea and vomiting B) Dizziness and palpitations C) Headache and diaphoresis D) Pain and diaphoresis

A) Nausea and vomiting

Which of the following is least often seen in carbon monoxide poisoning? A) Nausea B) Cherry red lips C) Altered mental status D) Headache

B) Cherry red lips

Carbon monoxide poisoning should be suspected when a patient has been in an enclosed area and has which of the following signs and/or symptoms? A) Headache, dizziness, and nausea B) Flu-like symptoms C) Breathing difficulty and altered mental status D) All of the above

D) All of the above

Which of the following is the cause of the black residue found in a patient's mouth and nose following smoke inhalation? A) Tar B) Carbon monoxide C) Cyanide D) Carbon

D) Carbon

Which of the following is true concerning a patient's reaction to toxic gases from smoke inhalation? A) If the patient is feeling fine, they do not need to see a physician B) Signs and symptoms may be delayed C) Inhalation of toxic gases will cause cherry-red skin or lips D) The patient will present with vague, flu-like symptoms

B) Signs and symptoms may be delayed

It is a chilly fall morning and you are called to an RV campground for three patients complaining of headache, dizziness, and nausea. They are cyanotic with altered mental status. You suspect: A) Snake bite B) Bee sting C) Food poisoning D) Carbon monoxide poisoning

D) Carbon monoxide poisoning

You are called to a scene where a 21-year-old female is unresponsive after a suspected medication overdose. After securing the airway and providing oxygen by BVM, what is the most important question to ask regarding the medication? A) How many pills did she take? B) Were the medications new? C) What medication did she take? D) Why is she on that particular depression medication?

C) What medication did she take?

Which of the following is not part of the treatment for a 15-year-old female who has swallowed drain cleaner? A) Call medical control B) Administer milk or water C) Maintain the airway D) Administer activated charcoal

D) Administer activated charcoal

Which of the following is a trade name for activated charcoal? A) Actifed B) Charcoal C) Actidose D) Mesquite

C) Actidose

Which patient would most likely benefit from the administration of activated charcoal? A) Alert 16-year-old female who overdosed on Tylenol B) 48-year-old man who attempted suicide by drinking Drano C) Unresponsive 28-year-old female who overdosed on sleeping pills D) 28-year-old male suffering from food poisoning after eating eggs contaminated with salmonella

A) Alert 16-year-old female who overdosed on Tylenol

Which patient would most likely benefit from the administration of activated charcoal? A) 18-year-old patient who is passed out from drinking too much beer B) 45-year-old patient suffering from insecticide poisoning C) 14-year-old female who overdoses on her grandfather's cardiac medication D) 8-year-old boy who has a headache from carbon monoxide poisoning

C) 14-year-old female who overdoses on her grandfather's cardiac medication

Why would an EMT give activated charcoal to a patient who overdosed on a medication? A) Activated charcoal is the antidote to medication poisoning B) Activated charcoal prevents the patient from vomiting C) Activated charcoal coats the intestinal tract, preventing absorption by the body D) Activated charcoal binds to the medication, preventing absorption by the body

D) Activated charcoal binds to the medication, preventing absorption by the body

Your patient is a 17-year-old male spitting and coughing after swallowing gasoline while siphoning. Which of the following should you do first? A) Administer syrup of ipecac B) Insert a Combitube or another blind insertion device C) Have the patient drink a glass of milk D) Contact medical control

D) Contact medical control

Your patient is a 3-year-old female who has taken an unknown quantity of aspirin. She is conscious and alert. Which order is likely to be given by medical control? A) Administer one to two glasses of milk B) Administer activated charcoal C) Induce vomiting by placing your finger in the child's throat D) Administer syrup of ipecac

B) Administer activated charcoal

Your patient is a 7-year-old male who ate an unknown type of mushroom on a dare. You should ask all of the following questions except: A) When did you eat the mushroom? B) Are there any more of the mushrooms? C) Why did you eat the mushroom? D) How much did you eat?

C) Why did you eat the mushroom?

A 38-year-old male has taken multiple medication overdoses and household cleaning agents and only responds to painful stimuli. Medical control orders two to three glasses of milk. Which action should you take? A) Assist the patient in drinking only one glass of milk to reduce the risk of aspiration B) Ask medical control if you can substitute water for the milk C) Refuse the order and explain why D) Assist the patient in drinking as much of the two to three glasses of milk as he can

C) Refuse the order and explain why

Your patient is a 3-year-old male with a stoma in his neck who swallowed a household cleaner. Medical direction orders milk to dilute stomach contents. What is the correct way to carry out this order? A) Administer one glass of milk through the stoma B) Have the patient drink one glass of milk C) Have the patient drink a glass of milk while you plug the stoma to prevent leakage D) Refuse the order and explain why

B) Have the patient drink one glass of milk

Which of the following statements regarding syrup of ipecac is not true? A) It has an immediate action B) It can cause a patient to aspirate stomach contents into the lungs C) It removes only about one-third of stomach contents D) It causes vomiting in all patients with a single dose

A) It has an immediate action

When a poison attaches to the chemical structure of activated charcoal, which of the following best describes this mechanism of action? A) Absorption B) Inactivation C) Incorporation D) Adsorption

D) Adsorption

Regarding activated charcoal, which of the following is not true? A) Ingestion of strong acids or alkalis is a contraindication to its use B) It is an antidote to many poisons C) It can reduce the amount of poison absorbed by the gastrointestinal system D) It does not work on all poisons

B) It is an antidote to many poisons

Which of the following substances may be ordered by medical control to dilute a poison? A) Milk of magnesia or magnesium citrate B) Milk or water C) Milk or milk of magnesia D) Water with syrup of ipecac

B) Milk or water

Your patient is a conscious 16-year-old female who ingested an unknown number of sleeping pills. Which question is least pertinent to her care? A) How much do you weigh? B) Who do these sleeping pills belong to? C) Over what period of time did you take the pills? D) Has anyone tried to treat you with anything?

B) Who do these sleeping pills belong to?

A 78-year-old widow is found on the floor, disoriented, with BP 78/40 and pulse of 48. She has a history of hypertension and takes medications to slow a fast heart rate. Her medication bottles are empty. Do you agree her vital signs suggest a medication overdose? A) Agree. The vital signs agree with this hypothesis B) Disagree. The patient's vital signs are related to her broken arm C) Agree. It is obvious that the broken arm is causing the decreased heart rate D) Disagree. The vital signs indicate that she has not taken her medication in several days

A) Agree. The vital signs agree with this hypothesis

Why should an EMT utilize a local poison control center in managing a poisoning patient? A) It places any legal liability on the poison control center B) They can activate a specialty team to come and treat the patient C) It prevents the EMT from having to do training on poisons D) They can assist in finding out important information about the poison

D) They can assist in finding out important information about the poison

Your patient is a conscious 4-year-old female who ingested her grandfather's medication. Which information is not necessary to provide to medical control? A) Patient's weight and the amount of medication taken B) Patient's vital signs and the time the medication was taken C) Any home remedies attempted by the patient's family D) Grandfather's name and the name of the physician who prescribed the medication

D) Grandfather's name and the name of the physician who prescribed the medication

Which of the following is the best initial intervention for a patient who has inhaled a poison? A) Provide plenty of fresh air and monitor pulse oximetry readings B) Perform abdominal thrusts to clear the airway, followed by high-concentration oxygen C) Transport in a position of comfort and provide oxygen for patients with a decreased level of consciousness D) Provide a patent airway, ventilation, and high-concentration oxygen

D) Provide a patent airway, ventilation, and high-concentration oxygen

Which of the following is the most important means of managing a patient who has inhaled a poison, after the airway has been established? A) Hyperventilation B) High concentrations of oxygen C) Monitoring pulse oximetry D) Administering a specific antidote

B) High concentrations of oxygen

Smoke inhalation can result in all of the following except: A) Carbon monoxide poisoning B) Cardiac arrest C) Lung contusion D) Respiratory arrest

C) Lung contusion

An 18-year-old male fell into a pool after experiencing a "funny numb feeling" in his head and chest pain. During CPR you notice swollen mucous membranes. Which substance is most likely responsible? A) Volatile chemicals B) GHB C) Methamphetamine D) Carbon monoxide poisoning

A) Volatile chemicals

What clinical finding is most suggestive of an inhaled poison? A) Altered mental status B) Tachypnea C) Black-colored sputum D) Swollen tongue

C) Black-colored sputum

When a substance enters the body through unbroken skin, it has entered the body by which route? A) Absorption B) Ingestion C) Injection D) Consumption

A) Absorption

Your patient is a 48-year-old male exposed to a toxic powder that can be absorbed through the skin. Which measures should be taken? A) Wipe the powder away with a damp cloth B) Brush off the powder and flush the patient's skin with a solution of baking soda and water C) Flush the patient's skin with copious amounts of water D) Brush off the powder and flush the patient's skin with copious amounts of water

D) Brush off the powder and flush the patient's skin with copious amounts of water

Your patient has come in contact with a strong acid substance. Using an alkaline solution to treat the patient may result in which of the following? A) Production of heat when the acid and alkali interact B) Further damage to the patient's tissues C) Neutralization of the acid substance D) All of the above

D) All of the above

A patient has dry powder poison covering both upper extremities and chest. You should: A) Cover the patient's arms with a burn sheet to preserve the powder for the emergency room B) Immediately wash the powder off to prevent further exposure C) Brush the powder off and irrigate the contaminated area with large amounts of water D) Flush the area with large amounts of water and then brush the remaining poison off

C) Brush the powder off and irrigate the contaminated area with large amounts of water

Immediate effects of alcohol are due to effects on which body system? A) Respiratory system B) Gastrointestinal system C) Central nervous system D) Cardiovascular system

C) Central nervous system

Which of the following effects may occur due to chronic abuse of alcohol? A) Abnormal blood sugar levels B) Poor nutrition C) Potential for gastrointestinal bleeding D) All of the above

D) All of the above

Which of the following is an injury that commonly occurs in alcoholic patients with even minor head injuries? A) Subdural hematoma B) Concussion C) Intracerebral hematoma D) Skull fracture

A) Subdural hematoma

Your patient is a 50-year-old female with a history of alcoholism found unresponsive in bed. Which of the following possibilities should you keep in mind during your assessment? A) Low blood sugar B) Head injury C) Heart attack D) All of the above

D) All of the above

Which of the following conditions can mimic the signs of alcohol intoxication? A) Epilepsy B) Head injuries C) Diabetes D) All of the above

D) All of the above

Signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse include all of the following except: A) Swaying and unsteadiness of movement B) Confusion C) Nausea and vomiting D) An acetone or ketone odor to the breath

D) An acetone or ketone odor to the breath

Which of the following is a sign or symptom of withdrawal from alcohol? A) Seizures B) Sweating C) Hallucinations D) All of the above

D) All of the above

A 61-year-old chronic alcohol abuser is seeing "snakes slithering around his ankles," is sweating and trembling, and then begins seizing after claiming to have only two drinks. What is the most likely cause? A) The patient drank antifreeze instead of alcohol B) The patient is suffering from alcohol withdrawal C) The patient drank mouthwash instead of beverage alcohol D) The patient is suffering from acute alcohol poisoning

B) The patient is suffering from alcohol withdrawal

You respond to a county jail for a 48-year-old inmate arrested two days ago for intoxication. He was "acting crazy," seeing bugs on the walls, then seized. What condition do you suspect? A) Acute episode of paranoid schizophrenia B) Alcohol poisoning C) LSD abuse D) Delirium tremens

D) Delirium tremens

When a chemical substance is taken for reasons other than therapeutic use, this action is called: A) Tolerance B) Psychological dependence C) Substance abuse D) Addiction

C) Substance abuse

Which of the following types of drugs may induce sleep or stupor? A) Tranquilizers B) Narcotics C) Hallucinogens D) Both A and B

D) Both tranquilizers and narcotics

Barbiturates may be referred to as which of the following? A) Downers B) Meth C) Acid D) Uppers

A) Downers

OxyContin is an example of which of the following types of drugs? A) Narcotic B) Antidepressant C) Appetite suppressant D) Barbiturate

A) Narcotic

Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is an example of which of the following types of drugs? A) Cannabis B) Stimulant C) Volatile spirit D) Depressant

D) Depressant

The opioid triad includes all of the following except: A) Hypertension B) Pinpoint pupils C) Coma D) Respiratory depression

A) Hypertension

Cleaning fluid, glue, and model cement are common examples of which of the following? A) Hallucinogens B) Narcotics C) Volatile chemicals D) Roofies

C) Volatile chemicals

The drug ecstasy is classified as what type of drug? A) Depressant B) Hallucinogen C) Barbiturate D) Tranquilizer

B) Hallucinogen

You respond to assist law enforcement with a 35-year-old male who is anxious, tachycardic, and angry. What condition do you suspect? A) GHB overdose B) Marijuana overdose C) Alcohol overdose D) Cocaine overdose

D) Cocaine overdose

Your patient is a 23-year-old male unresponsive in a bar restroom with slow/shallow respirations, HR of 50, profuse sweating, and constricted pupils. Which substance is most likely responsible? A) Heroin B) Ecstasy C) LSD D) PCP

A) Heroin

A patient who has abused "uppers" will display which of the following signs and symptoms? A) Dilated pupils, excessive salivation, and food cravings B) Excessive talkativeness, dilated pupils, and dry mouth C) Constricted pupils, hypotension, and blurred vision D) Slurred speech, constricted pupils, and frequent urination

B) Excessive talkativeness, dilated pupils, and dry mouth

You are called to a 14-year-old unresponsive female who has vomited after a suspected pill overdose. Your first action is to: A) Administer oxygen by bag-valve mask B) Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask C) Administer an oropharyngeal airway D) Suction the patient's airway

D) Suction the patient's airway

After securing the airway and providing oxygen by BVM to an unresponsive 17-year-old suspected overdose patient, what is your next action? A) Perform a secondary assessment of the patient B) Ask the mother the name of her pain medication C) Question the mother about the patient's suicidal tendencies D) Perform a focused assessment

A) Perform a secondary assessment of the patient

What is the most important treatment for a patient who has inhaled a poison? A) Administer the correct antidote B) Administer high-concentration oxygen C) Administer activated charcoal D) Administer epinephrine via auto-injector

B) Administer high-concentration oxygen

You are called to a night club for a 21-year-old female who is bradycardic and in respiratory arrest after only one or two drinks. Friends report she complained of dizziness and "seeing things" before collapsing and seizing. What do you suspect? A) Alcohol overdose B) GHB overdose C) Anaphylactic reaction to the alcoholic drink D) Cocaine overdose

B) GHB overdose