A 3-year-old boy who is suffering from convulsions is brought to the emergency department by his parents. They report finding him eating a rodenticide, which they brought with them for identification. The active ingredient in this brand of poison is strychnine. How does strychnine work?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Strychnine, found in rodenticides, is a potent antagonist of glycine receptors in the central nervous system. Glycine receptors are inhibitory neurotransmitter receptors that, when activated, allow for the influx of chloride ions leading to hyperpolarization of the postsynaptic neuron and inhibition of neuronal firing. By blocking these receptors, strychnine disinhibits motor neurons causing uncontrolled muscle contractions and convulsions. Option A, agonist of α1-adrenergic receptors, is incorrect because α1-adrenergic receptors are not the target of strychnine poisoning. Option B, agonist of GABA receptors, is incorrect as GABA receptors are inhibitory, and strychnine works by blocking inhibitory receptors. Option C, agonist of nicotinic cholinergic receptors, is incorrect as strychnine does not act on cholinergic receptors. In an educational context, understanding the mechanism of action of strychnine on glycine receptors is crucial for healthcare professionals in managing cases of poisoning. Knowing the specific receptor targets of toxic substances aids in appropriate treatment selection and patient care. This question reinforces the importance of pharmacological knowledge in emergency situations involving toxic exposures.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) Anterograde amnesia. This is likely to occur with diazepam due to its pharmacological action as a benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines like diazepam enhance the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain, leading to sedative and anxiolytic effects. Anterograde amnesia is a common side effect of benzodiazepines, affecting the ability to form new memories while under the drug's influence. Option B) Long-term memory loss is incorrect because benzodiazepines typically do not cause significant impairment in long-term memory storage. Option C) Loss of ability to taste is incorrect as it is not a common side effect associated with diazepam or other benzodiazepines. Option D) Loss of prior negative memories is incorrect as benzodiazepines do not selectively target negative memories for loss. Educationally, understanding the side effects of CNS drugs like diazepam is crucial for healthcare professionals to provide informed care to patients. It is important to educate patients about potential side effects to mitigate concerns and monitor for adverse effects during treatment. Anterograde amnesia can impact daily functioning and quality of life, making it essential for healthcare providers to assess and manage this side effect appropriately.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.