Neurotoxic & Domestic Poisons (Strychnine Curare Kerosene) MCQ Quiz | Clinical Toxicology

1. What is the primary mechanism of action of strychnine?

2. A patient presents with opisthotonos and a characteristic “risus sardonicus”. Which poisoning is the most likely diagnosis?

3. What is the most common cause of death in acute strychnine poisoning?

4. Which drug is the treatment of choice for controlling convulsions in strychnine poisoning?

5. Strychnine is an alkaloid derived from the seeds of which plant?

6. What is the typical state of consciousness during the convulsions of strychnine poisoning?

7. The violent muscle contractions in strychnine poisoning are typically precipitated by:

8. The action of strychnine is primarily on which part of the central nervous system?

9. What is the mechanism of action of curare (d-tubocurarine)?

10. Which clinical sign is characteristic of curare poisoning?

11. Which drug is used as an antidote to reverse the effects of competitive neuromuscular blockers like curare?

12. The paralysis from curare poisoning typically begins in which muscle group?

13. What is the primary therapeutic use of curare derivatives in modern medicine?

14. Why is neostigmine effective against curare toxicity?

15. The primary cause of death in a massive curare overdose is:

16. Curare is poorly absorbed from which route of administration, making it historically safe for hunters to eat animals killed by it?

17. What is the most serious and common complication following kerosene ingestion, particularly in children?

18. A child ingests a significant amount of kerosene. Which of the following interventions is generally contraindicated due to the high risk of aspiration?

19. The characteristic odor on the breath of a patient with kerosene poisoning is best described as:

20. What is the cornerstone of management for a patient with kerosene-induced pneumonitis?

21. Kerosene is classified as what type of toxic substance?

22. Besides the respiratory system, which other organ system is most commonly affected in severe systemic kerosene poisoning?

23. Chest X-ray findings in kerosene aspiration pneumonitis, such as bilateral basal infiltrates, typically appear within what timeframe after exposure?

24. A patient presents with descending paralysis starting from the eyelids, progressing to the limbs and finally respiratory muscles, with preserved consciousness and no convulsions. Which poison is most likely implicated?

25. A child is brought to the ER after ingesting a household cleaning agent. He is coughing violently and has a petroleum smell on his breath. What is the immediate management priority?