## **Core Concept**
The patient presents with symptoms suggestive of methanol or ethylene glycol poisoning, which are common in cases of ingestion of contaminated or adulterated alcoholic beverages. These substances are metabolized into toxic compounds that can cause severe metabolic acidosis, ocular toxicity, and renal failure.
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct management for suspected methanol or ethylene glycol poisoning involves administering **fomepizole** or **ethanol** as an antidote. These substances work by inhibiting alcohol dehydrogenase, the enzyme responsible for converting methanol into formaldehyde and formic acid (the toxic metabolites) and ethylene glycol into its toxic metabolites. By doing so, they help prevent the progression of toxicity until further treatment, such as hemodialysis, can be initiated. Fomepizole is specifically indicated for the treatment of methanol and ethylene glycol poisoning and has a more favorable side effect profile compared to ethanol.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A:** This option is incorrect because, although hemodialysis is a crucial treatment for methanol and ethylene glycol poisoning, especially in severe cases or when there is evidence of significant toxicity, it is not the immediate step in management in the emergency department without first stabilizing the patient and administering an antidote.
- **Option B:** This option is incorrect because, while supportive care and monitoring are essential components of managing any poisoned patient, they do not address the specific need for antidotal therapy in methanol or ethylene glycol poisoning.
- **Option D:** This option is incorrect because there is no commonly recognized antidote or treatment listed here that directly addresses methanol or ethylene glycol poisoning like fomepizole or ethanol does.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that in cases of suspected methanol or ethylene glycol poisoning, time is of the essence. Early administration of **fomepizole** can significantly improve outcomes by preventing the formation of toxic metabolites. A classic clinical clue is the presence of a high anion gap metabolic acidosis and ocular symptoms such as blurred vision or retinal edema.
## **Correct Answer:** C. Fomepizole.
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