EMT Chapter 21: Toxicology

Activated charcoal may be indicated for a patient who ingested: a.) iron b.) ethanol c.) aspirin d.) methanol

c.) aspirin

Before giving activated charcoal, you should: a.) obtain approval from medical control b.) have the patient drink a glass of milk c.) mix it with an equal amount of water d.) mix the suspension by stirring the bottle

a.) obtain approval from medical control

Airborne substances should be diluted with: a.) oxygen b.) syrup of ipecac c.) activated charcoal d.) an alkaline antidote

a.) oxygen

Signs and symptoms of a sympathomimetic drug overdose include: a.) tachycardia b.) hypothermia c.) hypotension d.) slurred speech

a.) tachycardia

In general, injected poisons are impossible to dilute or remove because they: a.) are usually absorbed quickly into the body b.) are usually fatal within 30 minutes of exposure c.) absorb slowly into the body, despite their potency d.) react with the blood, which increases their toxicity

a.) are usually absorbed quickly into the body

An overdose of acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, will MOST likely cause: a.) liver failure b.) gastric ulcers c.) kidney failure d.) CNS depression

a.) liver failure

A 4-year-old, 15-kg male ingested an unknown quantity of acetaminophen (Tylenol). The child's mother states that she does not know when the ingestion occurred. The child is conscious and alert and in no apparent distress. The EMT should: a.) contact medical control for guidance b.) administer 15g of activated charcoal c.) give the child milk to absorb the Tylenol d.) administer high-flow supplemental oxygen

b.) administer 15g of activated charcoal

A 25-year-old man overdosed on heroin and is unresponsive. His breathing is slow and shallow and he is bradycardic. He has track marks on both arms. The EMT should: a.) administer naloxone via the intranasal route b.) insert a nasal airway and ventilate with a BVM c.) position the patient on his side and transport d.) administer naloxone via the intramuscular route

b.) insert a nasal airway and ventilate with a BVM

Hypotension, hypoventilation, and pinpoint pupils would be expected following an overdose of: a.) ecstasy b.) oxycodone (Percocet) c.) amphetamine sulfate (Benzedrine) d.) crack cocaine

b.) oxycodone (Percocet)

The poison control center will be able to provide you with the most information regarding the appropriate treatment for a patient with a drug overdose if the center: a.) knows the location of the closest hospital b.) is aware of the patient's age and gender c.) is aware of the substance that is involved d.) knows why the patient overdosed on the drug

c.) is aware of the substance that is involved