**Question:** Sundar Lal, a 28-year-old farmer, is found convulsing in the farm. His heart rate is 100/min and blood pressure is 180/110mm Hg. Diarrhoea, sweating, and urination are present, and his pupils are pinpoint. Drug poisoning is suspected. Most probable cause is
A. Tetanus
B. Chloral hydrate
C. Antipsychotic drugs
D. Tetanus toxin
**Core Concept:** Drug poisoning refers to the toxic effects resulting from the ingestion or exposure to certain medications or substances, often leading to altered physiological parameters and clinical manifestations.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** In this scenario, we are dealing with a case of drug poisoning, specifically a tetanus-related poisoning. Tetanus is a neurotoxic disease caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which produces tetanospasmin, a potent neurotoxin.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. Tetanus is not caused by tetanus toxin, but by the bacterium Clostridium tetani and its neurotoxin tetanospasmin.
B. Chloral hydrate is a sedative-hypnotic drug used for short-term insomnia treatment, not related to tetanus.
C. Antipsychotic drugs are a class of medications used to treat mental disorders and are unrelated to tetanus.
D. Tetanus toxin is a misnomer; tetanus is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani and its neurotoxin tetanospasmin, not tetanus toxin.
**Clinical Pearl:** It is essential for healthcare providers to recognize tetanus symptoms to initiate appropriate treatment promptly, which may include tetanus immunization and supportive care. Prompt diagnosis and management can prevent complications and improve patient outcomes.
Free Medical MCQs Β· NEET PG Β· USMLE Β· AIIMS
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