A15-year-old boy is brought to the emergency department after ingestion of unkown medication. On arrival, he is lethargic and confused, his blood pressure is 76/46 mm Hg, pulse is 38/min, and respirations are 16/min. Pupils are 3 mm and reactive. Oropharynx is normal. Examination shows bilateral wheezing. There is no peripheral edema. Capillary refill is 3 seconds. There is no diaphoresis. Which of the following categories of medication did this patient most likely ingest?

Question

A15-year-old boy is brought to the emergency department after ingestion of unkown medication. On arrival, he is lethargic and confused, his blood pressure is 76/46 mm Hg, pulse is 38/min, and respirations are 16/min.  Pupils are 3 mm and reactive.  Oropharynx is normal.  Examination shows bilateral wheezing.  There is no peripheral edema.  Capillary refill is 3 seconds.  There is no diaphoresis.  Which of the following categories of medication did this patient most likely ingest?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Beta blockers act as competitive antagonists for endogenous catecholamines; therefore, toxicity presents with hypotension, bradycardia, bronchospasm, and hypoglycemia.  The hypotension and hypoglycemia contribute to altered mental status.

A15-Year-Old Boy Is Brought to the Emergency Department After Ingestion