Question 1

In order to facilitate the pooling of stomach contents and hinder their movement into the duodenum,an unconscious person undergoing gastric lavage needs to be positioned:&#10;A) on their back.&#10;B) on their right side.&#10;C) on their left side.&#10;D) in a semi-recumbent position

Accepted Answer

Positioning the person on their left side can facilitate the pooling of stomach contents and hinder their movement into the duodenum. It allows the gastric contents to collect in the dependent portion of the stomach, which is the portion closest to the esophagus. This position can help prevent aspiration of the stomach contents into the lungs during the lavage procedure. The other options may not be as effective in facilitating the pooling of stomach contents or could potentially increase the risk of aspiration.

Question 2

Which one of the following is NOT a component of patient assessment in the management of clinical drug overdose?&#10;A) Determining the time that poisoning occurred&#10;B) Determining if the client had any previous episodes of drug overdose&#10;C) Recognising the clinical manifestations of the overdose&#10;D) Ordering laboratory tests of the patient's blood

Accepted Answer

Determining if the client had any previous episodes of drug overdose, while important for understanding a patient's medical history and potential risk factors, is not a direct component of assessing and managing a clinical drug overdose situation. The immediate focus is on understanding the current overdose event, its manifestations, timing, and necessary laboratory tests to guide treatment.

Question 3

The principle of management of clinical drug overdose that takes precedence over all others is:&#10;A) life support.&#10;B) patient assessment.&#10;C) drug detoxification.&#10;D) drug elimination.

Accepted Answer

The principle of life support takes precedence in the management of clinical drug overdose as it is essential to maintain vital functions to preserve the patient's life. Once the patient is stabilized, drug detoxification and elimination can occur. Patient assessment is also important but it occurs concurrently with life support measures.

Question 4

A specific antidote for an overdose of an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor is:&#10;A) physostigmine.&#10;B) atropine.&#10;C) acetylcysteine.&#10;D) naloxone.

Accepted Answer

An overdose of an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor leads to an excess of acetylcholine activity, causing symptoms such as excessive sweating, salivation, miosis, and muscle weakness. Atropine, which is an antimuscarinic agent, can be used as a specific antidote for the overdose of an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor by competitively inhibiting acetylcholine activity at muscarinic receptors. Physostigmine is also an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, and using it as an antidote can exacerbate the symptoms of an overdose. Acetylcysteine is an antidote for acetaminophen overdose, and naloxone is an antidote for opioid overdose, neither of which is relevant in this case.

Question 5

For which principle associated with the management of clinical drug overdose is gastric lavage a component?&#10;A) Client assessment&#10;B) Life support&#10;C) Drug decontamination and detoxification&#10;D) Drug neutralisation and elimination

Accepted Answer

The answer of For which principle associated with the management...

Question 6

The passing of a patient's blood across a medium containing adsorbent beads is called:&#10;A) haemoperfusion.&#10;B) haemosiderosis.&#10;C) haemodialysis.&#10;D) haemolysis.

Accepted Answer

Haemoperfusion involves passing the patient's blood through a medium containing adsorbent beads that selectively remove certain substances from the blood. This is different from haemodialysis, which involves using a machine to filter the blood outside of the patient's body, and haemolysis, which is the breakdown of red blood cells. Haemosiderosis is a condition in which iron is deposited in tissues, and is not related to the passing of blood across adsorbent beads.

Deck 22: the Management of Acute Clinical Overdose