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Health Equity Curriculum for Anesthesia Residents
OA-SPA Ask the Expert - October 2024
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Question of the Day
A terrorist attacks a subway station in New York City and victims of the attack present to the emergency department with a variety of symptoms including vomiting and diarrhea. On examination, victims have difficulty controlling secretions, respiratory distress, blurred vision, and altered mental status. Exposure to which of the following toxic agents is the MOST likely cause?
Explanation
These patients are displaying signs of exposure to an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, such as sarin nerve gas, leading to significantly increased stimulation by accumulated acetylcholine. Symptoms of acetylcholine excess include salivation, lacrimation, urination, diaphoresis, vomiting and diarrhea, bronchospasm, blurred vision due to miosis, arrhythmias, hypotension, and altered mental status. Carfentanil exposure leads to symptoms of confusion, respiratory depression, and apnea consistent with opioid overdose. Sulfur mustard is a blistering vesicant agent that attacks the DNA and RNA and cell membranes leading to rapid binding and irreversible recovery of function. Symptoms of sulfur mustard exposure include airway inflammation, vomiting and diarrhea, and dehydration from fluid loss through affected skin. Hydrogen cyanide is a cyanotic agent that leads to impaired oxygen utilization by end organs and tissues. Symptoms include cherry-red hue to the skin, confusion, giddiness, nausea and vomiting, and loss of consciousness.
OA Series: October 2024
35:32
OA Global Health Equity Ask the Expert
Health Equity Curriculum for Anesthesia ResidentsSamuel Percy, MD, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO
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