Which of the following medications would you administer for an overdose of acetaminophen?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Acetylcysteine is the specific antidote for acetaminophen overdose. Acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol) toxicity can cause severe liver damage if not treated promptly. Acetylcysteine works by replenishing the depleted glutathione stores in the liver, helping to prevent liver damage and improving the patient's outcome. Naloxone is used for opioid overdose, vitamin K for reversing the effects of certain anticoagulants, and atropine for specific heart and nerve related conditions.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Acetylcysteine is the antidote for an acetaminophen overdose. Acetaminophen overdose can cause liver damage due to its toxic metabolite buildup in the liver. Acetylcysteine works by replenishing glutathione, which helps in detoxifying the toxic metabolite of acetaminophen. Administering acetylcysteine within 8-10 hours of the overdose is crucial in preventing severe liver damage and improving the patient's outcome. Naloxone is used for opioid overdose, Vitamin K for treating specific types of bleeding disorders, and Atropine for drug poisoning or certain types of poisoning, but they are not indicated for an acetaminophen overdose.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Heparin is classified as an antithrombotic agent. It is a medication that helps prevent blood clot formation by inhibiting the activity of certain clotting factors in the blood. Heparin is commonly used in the treatment and prevention of conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and during certain medical procedures to prevent clot formation. It is not classified as a laxative, ACE inhibitor, or anti-convulsant based on its mechanism of action and therapeutic use.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Barium enema is a diagnostic imaging test used to examine the large intestine (colon and rectum). It involves the administration of a contrast material containing barium into the colon through the rectum, followed by X-rays to produce clear images of the colon's lining. This procedure helps in the diagnosis of various conditions such as colon polyps, diverticulosis, colorectal cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease. Therefore, barium enema is primarily used for diagnostic purposes, not for prevention, contraception, stimulation, or treatment of conditions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In Clark's Rule, the basis for calculating the infant dose is weight. This is because weight is a crucial factor in determining the appropriate dosage for infants. Adjusting the dose based on weight helps in ensuring that the medication is administered safely and effectively. Infants have different proportions of body weight compared to older children and adults, which can influence how medications are metabolized in their bodies. Therefore, using weight as the basis for dosage calculation in Clark's Rule helps in providing a more accurate and individualized dose for infants.