An 8-year-old boy, Raju, is brought to the casualty with a history of consuming something while playing outside in the playground. In the examination, there was altered sensorium, hyperpyrexia, dilated pupils.Most probable cause is –
**Core Concept**
The clinical presentation of altered sensorium, hyperpyrexia, and dilated pupils in a child who ingested something while playing suggests an anticholinergic toxicity. Anticholinergic toxicity occurs due to the blockade of muscarinic receptors by various substances, leading to excessive sympathetic activity and impaired parasympathetic activity.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The symptoms exhibited by Raju are characteristic of anticholinergic toxicity, which can be caused by ingestion of substances like atropine, scopolamine, certain medications, or even certain plants like deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna). In anticholinergic toxicity, the blockade of muscarinic receptors by these substances leads to the inhibition of parasympathetic activity, resulting in symptoms like dilated pupils, hyperpyrexia, and altered sensorium.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is likely to be incorrect as it does not directly relate to the symptoms exhibited by Raju.
* **Option B:** This option might be incorrect as it is not directly related to the symptoms of anticholinergic toxicity.
* **Option D:** This option might be incorrect as it does not directly cause the symptoms exhibited by Raju.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Anticholinergic toxicity can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. It is essential to identify the substance ingested and provide appropriate treatment, which may include supportive care, administration of physostigmine, and management of hyperpyrexia.
**Correct Answer: C. Anticholinergic toxicity.**