General Toxicology Overview
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Questions and Answers

What is forensic toxicology primarily concerned with?

  • Study of poisons in specific occupations
  • Medicolegal aspects of poisoning (correct)
  • Intended therapeutic use of substances
  • Effects of toxins on the environment

Which of the following correctly describes a poison?

  • A substance with low toxicity used for therapeutic purposes
  • Only substances that are solid in form
  • Any substance causing ill health or death through any route (correct)
  • Only chemical compounds found dangerous in the workplace

What does 'Sola dosis facit venenum' imply in toxicology?

  • Only high doses of drugs are harmful
  • Medicinal substances never cause harm
  • All substances are inherently toxic
  • The amount of a substance determines its toxicity (correct)

How does the absorption rate of poisons vary by route?

<p>Inhalational &gt; Intravenous &gt; Intramuscular (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the study of poisons in relation to specific occupations?

<p>Occupational toxicology (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best distinguishes a toxin from a venom?

<p>All venoms are toxins, but not all toxins are venoms. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a drug from a poison?

<p>Drugs are intended for healing, while poisons are intended to cause harm. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which category includes substances produced by living organisms that are harmful?

<p>Toxins (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of poisoning is characterized by pinpoint pupils and respiratory depression?

<p>Opioids poisoning (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common clinical feature of sympathomimetic poisoning?

<p>Dilated pupils (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following toxic syndromes typically leads to urinary retention?

<p>Anticholinergic syndrome (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What clinical triad is associated with morphine poisoning?

<p>Pinpoint pupils, coma, respiratory depression (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What would most likely suggest oxalic acid/ethylene glycol poisoning during lab investigations?

<p>Presence of oxalate casts/crystals in urine (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which toxic syndrome would you expect an increase in gastrointestinal motility?

<p>Cholinergic syndrome (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which feature is commonly associated with anticholinergic poisoning?

<p>Dry skin (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following features is NOT typically associated with opioid poisoning?

<p>Increased heart rate (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which preservative is ideal for blood analysis?

<p>Sodium fluoride + Potassium oxalate (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main disadvantage of using formalin in chemical analysis?

<p>It destroys poisons. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a preservative for urine samples?

<p>Rectified spirit (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What preservation method can safely avoid contamination for deeply frozen samples?

<p>No preservatives needed (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which preservative is preferred for virology studies?

<p>Glycerol (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of poison is associated with causing maximum tissue destruction?

<p>Corrosives (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT classified as an irritant?

<p>Strychnine (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following examples is classified as a cardiotoxin?

<p>Digitalis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following types of poisons primarily induce asphyxia?

<p>Asphyxiants (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of neurotoxin is known to cause delirium?

<p>Cannabis (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common plant source of irritants?

<p>Ricinus communis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following substances would be classified as a neurotoxin acting on the spinal cord?

<p>Conium maculatum (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is classified as a simple asphyxiant?

<p>Carbon dioxide (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which organ should be preserved when Digitalis poisoning is suspected?

<p>Heart (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What color indicates the presence of Sodium amytal?

<p>Yellow or dark brown (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the most reliable sample for analysis in suspected poisoning cases?

<p>Blood (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be preserved from the small intestine?

<p>500g sample (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

For which poison is the preservation of hair particularly important?

<p>Arsenic (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What organ is suggested for preservation when poisoning by cerebral poisons is suspected?

<p>Brain (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which organ's preservation is crucial for detecting metallic poisons like Thallium?

<p>Skin (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the case of suspected Strychnine poisoning, which organ should be preserved?

<p>Spinal cord (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic odor associated with cyanide?

<p>Oil of bitter almonds (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which poison produces a skin color of cherry red upon hypostasis?

<p>Carbon monoxide (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the stomach mucosa appearance associated with sulphuric acid?

<p>Black necrotic, charring (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following poisons is recognized for producing a garlic odor?

<p>Arsenic (A), Organophosphates (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What color is typically observed in the skin due to nitrites during hypostasis?

<p>Bluish green (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected skin color from poisoning with phosphorous?

<p>Dark brown (A), Dark brown (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The odor of burnt rope is associated with which poison?

<p>Cannabis (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Nitric acid poisoning leads to what kind of stomach mucosa coloration?

<p>Yellow or brown due to altered blood (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Toxicology

The study of poisoning, including the source, properties, how it works in the body, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

Forensic Toxicology

Focuses on the legal aspects of poisoning, like reports, procedures for collecting samples, and post-mortem findings.

Occupational Toxicology

Examines the effects of poisons found in a particular workplace.

Eco-toxicology

Studies the impact of poisons on the environment.

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Poison

Any substance that causes illness or death when introduced into the body in any form (solid, liquid, gas) and by any route (swallowing, injection, inhalation, contact).

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Sola dosis facit venenum

The amount of a substance determines its toxicity.

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Drug

A substance used in medicine to heal, given in a low dose.

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Poison

A substance given in a high dose with the intention of causing harm.

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Corrosive Poisons

Chemicals that damage tissue by causing corrosion. Examples include acids and alkalis.

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Irritant Poisons

Chemicals that cause inflammation. They can be found in plants, animals, and non-metallic sources.

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Neurotoxins

Chemicals that affect the nervous system, impacting the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nerves.

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Cardiotoxins

Chemicals that specifically target the heart. Examples include Digitalis, Oleander, Nicotine, and Aconite.

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Asphyxiants

Chemicals that can prevent the body from taking in oxygen effectively, leading to suffocation. Examples include carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and cyanide.

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What are corrosive poisons?

A group of poisons that cause tissue damage by directly attacking cells and tissues.

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What are irritant poisons?

A group of poisons that cause inflammation, redness, and itching.

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What are neurotoxins?

A group of poisons that affect the nervous system and the brain.

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Saturated Sodium Chloride Solution

A solution containing the maximum amount of a solute (sodium chloride) that can be dissolved at a given temperature. It's commonly used in chemical analysis because it's inexpensive.

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Rectified Spirit

A solution containing 95% alcohol that's an excellent preservative for many substances.

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Sodium Fluoride and Potassium Oxalate

A preservative used for blood samples that helps stop bacterial growth and prevents blood from clotting. Combined, they prevent decomposition and allow for accurate blood analysis.

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Preservatives for Urine

A preservative used for urine samples. Thymol is most effective, followed by Sodium Fluoride and Toluene.

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Glycerol for Virology

A preservative used for preserving viruses and other microorganisms. It allows for later studies of these agents.

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Substance appearance

This refers to the physical appearance of different substances when in their solid form.

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Chemical analysis in poisoning

The analysis of a poison within body tissues provides definitive proof of poisoning.

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Key organs for poison analysis

The organs that store, absorb, metabolize, and excrete poisons.

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Stomach in poisoning

The stomach is a crucial organ for storing ingested poison.

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Small intestine, liver, and kidneys in poisoning

The small intestine absorbs toxins, while the liver metabolizes them, and the kidneys expel them.

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Target organs for poison analysis

These organs are crucial for identifying poisons and determining their impact on the body.

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Preservatives for poisoned organs

These preservatives are used to ensure the integrity of organs collected for analysis.

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Quantity of organs to be preserved

This refers to the quantity of each organ to be preserved for a thorough analysis.

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Cyanide Odor

Cyanide produces a distinct bitter almond smell due to the release of hydrogen cyanide gas.

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Hydrogen sulfide Odor

The odor of hydrogen sulfide is similar to that of rotten eggs, hence its common name.

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Carbon monoxide Hypostasis

Carbon monoxide poisoning causes a bright cherry-red discoloration of the skin due to the carboxyhemoglobin formed in the blood.

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Cyanide Hypostasis

Cyanide poisoning results in a brick-red or bright red color of the skin due to the formation of cyanide-methemoglobin.

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Phosphorous Hypostasis

Phosphorous poisoning can lead to a dark brown discoloration of the skin due to the formation of phosphine gas.

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Stomach Mucosa - Sulphuric Acid

Sulphuric acid ingestion causes severe burns in the stomach leading to black necrosis and charring of the mucosa.

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Stomach Mucosa - Nitric Acid

Nitric acid ingestion causes yellow or brown discoloration of the stomach mucosa due to the reaction of the acid with blood.

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Stomach Mucosa - Arsenic

Arsenic poisoning leads to a characteristic red velvety appearance of the stomach mucosa with white particles present on the surface.

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What is a Toxicodrome?

A cluster of clinical signs and symptoms that are characteristic of a specific type of poisoning.

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What are the characteristics of Cholinergic toxicodrome?

A group of poisoning symptoms characterized by increased sweating, salivation, urination, and bowel sounds, often accompanied by pinpoint pupils and decreased heart rate.

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What are the characteristics of Anticholinergic toxicodrome?

A group of symptoms that include dilated pupils, increased heart rate, dry mouth, urinary retention, and confusion, commonly associated with anticholinergic drugs and certain plants.

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What are the characteristics of the Opioid/Sedative Toxicodrome?

A toxicodrome characterized by pinpoint pupils, respiratory depression, bradycardia, and coma. These symptoms are similar to those caused by sedation and other depressants.

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What are the characteristics of Sympathomimetic toxicodrome?

A group of symptoms associated with stimulant drugs, characterized by agitation, hyperalertness, dilated pupils, tachycardia, and potentially seizures.

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What does presence of Oxalate Crystals in Urine suggest?

When examining blood or urine in suspected poisoning cases, what can the presence of oxalic acid crystals suggest?

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What Lab Finding Suggests Phenol Poisoning?

What finding on a blood test suggests the presence of phenol poisoning?

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What is the Significance of Uniformly Worsening Symptoms in Poisoning?

In suspected cases of poisoning, what is the significance of observing a uniformly progressing worsening of symptoms?

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Study Notes

General Toxicology

  • Study of poisoning, including sources, properties, mechanisms, signs, symptoms, diagnosis, and management
  • Acute poisoning is a medical emergency
  • A significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide
  • A leading cause of suicide

Basic Terms

  • Forensic Toxicology: Medico-legal aspects of poisoning
    • Medico-legal reporting
    • Gastric lavage
    • Post-mortem findings
    • Preserving samples
  • Poison: Any substance (solid, liquid, or gas) that causes harm (local or remote action) through oral, injectable, inhalation, or direct contact
  • Rapid Absorption: Inhalation > Intravenous > Intramuscular
  • Drug vs. Poison: "The dose makes the poison." (Paracelsus)
  • Toxin vs. Venom:
    • Toxin: Biological substance produced by living organisms (plant or animal)
    • Venom: Toxin produced by an animal; a proteinaceous substance injected into the body causing ill effects.
  • Occupational Toxicology: Study of workplace exposure to poisons
  • Eco-toxicology: Study of toxins in the environment

Classification of Poisons (Mnemonic: CINCAM)

  • Corrosives: Cause tissue destruction (acids, alkalis)
  • Irritants: Cause inflammation
  • Neurotoxins: Affect the brain and nervous system
  • Cardiotoxins: Affect the heart
  • Asphyxiants: Inhibit respiration
  • Miscellaneous Poisons: Variety of other poisons

Diagnosis of Poisoning (In Living People)

  • Symptoms: Sudden onset, uniform worsening, similar symptoms in family members
  • History of recent intake/exposure
  • Features of specific toxidromes (cholinergic, anticholinergic, opioid, sedative-hypnotics, sympathomimetics)
  • Vital signs: Temperature, blood pressure, heart rate
  • Other: Bowel sounds, urination, tremors
  • Lab Investigations: Blood, urine (oxalate casts)
    • Suggestive of oxalic acid/ethylene glycol poisoning
    • Proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) necrosis → Phenol

Ideal Homicidal vs. Suicidal Poison

  • Homicidal: Colorless, odorless, tasteless, cheap, delayed onset, mimics natural disease
  • Suicidal: Pleasant taste, unimportant onset, immediate, painless death

Preservatives for Poison Analysis

  • Saturated solution of sodium chloride
  • Rectified spirit (95% alcohol)
  • Used for chemical analysis

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General Toxicology PDF

Description

Explore the essential concepts of general toxicology, including the study of poisoning, its sources, symptoms, and management. This quiz delves into terms like forensic toxicology, drug versus poison, and the differences between toxins and venoms. Understanding these key aspects is vital for recognizing acute poisoning's impact on health and safety.

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