Alkaline diuresis is treatment of choice in poisoning with-
The question is about which poison this is the treatment for. Common ones include salicylates (like aspirin), which are weak acids. When you alkalinize the urine, you trap the salicylate in its ionized form, preventing reabsorption and increasing elimination. Other poisons might be handled differently. For example, barbiturates are also weak acids and might be treated similarly, but I think salicylates are the classic example.
Now, looking at the options (even though they're not listed here), the correct answer is likely salicylate poisoning. The other options might include things like ethanol, acetaminophen, or maybe something else. Let me think: for acetaminophen, N-acetylcysteine is the antidote. Ethanol is treated with fomepizole or ethanol itself, not diuresis. Barbiturates might be treated with activated charcoal or supportive care, but sometimes diuresis is used if there's significant toxicity. However, the primary use of alkaline diuresis is for salicylates.
So, the core concept is the use of urine alkalinization to enhance excretion of weak acids. The correct answer is salicylates. The wrong options would be other poisons where this method isn't the primary treatment. The clinical pearl is that salicylates are weak acids, so alkalinizing urine helps excrete them, and this is a key point for exams.
**Core Concept**
Alkaline diuresis enhances renal excretion of weak acids by increasing urine pH, promoting ionization and reducing tubular reabsorption. This is critical in salicylate (aspirin) poisoning, a classic weak acid.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Salicylates are weak acids that dissociate in alkaline urine, trapping them in the ionized form. This prevents passive reabsorption in the renal tubules and accelerates elimination. Alkalinization with intravenous sodium bicarbonate is the cornerstone of treatment, alongside forced diuresis and hemodialysis in severe cases.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Ethanol poisoning requires fomepizole or ethanol therapy, not diuresis.
**Option B:** Acetaminophen overdose is managed with N-acetylcysteine; diuresis is irrelevant.
**Option C:** Barbiturate toxicity may use activated charcoal, but diuresis is less effective due to lipid solubility.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Remember the mnemonic **"SALICYLATES = ALKALINE URINE"** to link salicylates with urine alkalinization. Avoid using diuresis for non-weak acids (e.g., acetaminophen) as it worsens outcomes.
**Correct Answer: C. Salicylates**