A toddler arrives in the emergency department by ambulance. The nurse observes that the child's facial and neck muscles are stiff and that the child is hyperreflexive. The parents tell the nurse that the child ingested something at a neighbor's house. The nurse will correctly suspect which agent?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Strychnine, which may be used in rat poisons, causes stiffness of the muscles of the face and neck, along with reflex excitability. Amphetamines produce dizziness, confusion, and convulsions. Theobromine, which is found in chocolate, is a methylxanthine and causes hyperactivity, vomiting, diarrhea, and cardiovascular effects. Caffeine causes excitement, restlessness, and cardiovascular effects.

A Toddler Arrives in the Emergency Department by Ambulance