A patient with suspected tricyclic antidepressant poisoning has hypotension and a widening QRS complex. After initial sodium bicarbonate treatment, which finding requires immediate reassessment?

Correct answer: C. Worsening hypotension and dysrhythmia

  • A. Mild dry mouth
  • B. A falling serum potassium level
  • C. Worsening hypotension and dysrhythmia
  • D. Temporary blurred near vision

Explanation

Persistent hypotension or worsening dysrhythmia indicates ongoing life-threatening cardiac toxicity and requires urgent reassessment and escalation. Dry mouth and blurred near vision are anticholinergic effects and are less immediately dangerous.

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About Emergency Drugs and Antidotes

Emergency pharmacology covers drugs used in cardiac arrest, shock, severe allergy, acute asthma, seizures, poisoning and hypoglycaemia, including adrenaline, atropine, naloxone, flumazenil and selected antidotes. The focus is on indications, routes, rapid adverse effects, dose safety and matching a toxic substance with its specific reversal agent.

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