QUESTIONS

1. What is the name given to a substance that specifically counters the action of a poison?
2. What is the name of the UK organisation that provides a 24-hour information service to veterinary surgeons with regard to cases of poisoning?
3. If a specific antidote is not available for a certain poison, what is the broad term used to describe the treatment of the case?
4. Why is it sensible to reserve a sample of vomit, faeces or urine in a case of suspected poisoning?
5. State 3 reasons why a veterinary nurse should maintain a diplomatic silence in cases of suspected malicious poisoning.
6. A client telephones the surgery and is distraught because her bull terrier puppy has just eaten 6 month's supply of contraceptive pills. What advice would you give?
7. A client telephones the surgery. His cat has been in the garage and was observed by his son drinking antifreeze. What advice would you give?
8. List 4 possible sources of lead poisoning.
9. What is the antidote to lead poison?
10. State 2 medical conditions that may be mistaken by a client as a poisoning case.
11. Which common over-the-counter painkiller is poisonous to cats and may prove fatal if as little as half a 500mg tablet is ingested?
12. Cats are allergic to phenols. State 3 products that contain phenols.
13. List 3 products suitable for removing creosote from the coat of a cat.
14. When would the administration of an inert adsorptive substance by mouth be indicated?
15. List 5 substances with adsorptive properties (these bind the poison to the ingesta in the gut lumen and prevent absorption).
16. Emetics are indicated in many poison cases (but remember that they are contraindicated if the poison is caustic/corrosive). Of the following emetics state which is the most efficient: mustard, saline, washing soda crystals, hydrogen peroxide, apomorphine & Rompun. What are the shortcomings of the others?
17. State 3 instances in which inducing vomiting is contraindicated.
18. What is the name of the procedure whereby the stomach is flushed and drained under general anaesthesia?
19. State 2 instances when gastric lavage would be contraindicated.
20. Why might laxative preparations such as sorbitol be administered in cases of poisoning?
21. What is a demulcent?
22. Name one poison that lowers the body temperature.
23. Name one group of poisons that raise the body temperature.
24. What is the antidote for Warfarin-type rat poisons?
25. What is the antidote for organophosphorus compound poisons?
26. What is the name of the poisonous chemical contained within slug bait which many dogs and cats seem to find particularly palatable?
27. A client telephones the surgery and is concerned since the family dog has just come in from the garden and is retching and salivating excessively. The client thinks that the dog may have drunk too much water from the pond. What is the most likely cause of these symptoms?
28. What is the name of the only indigenous venomous snake in the UK?
29. What is the name of the antidote for adder venom?
30. Why should an animal that has been bitten by an adder be immobilised?
31. A splint or Robert Jones dressing applied to a limb affected by an adder bite will help to prevent movement and thus decrease venous return from that limb helping to prevent toxins from entering the rest of the circulation. What other benefits are achieved by the application of a firm dressing?
32. What is the name of the toxic fumes produced from over-heated fat?
33. State the therapy necessary in cases of calciferol (a rodenticide) poisoning.
34. What common vegetable is poisonous to dogs if given raw and ingested in large quantities?
35. Why should dogs not be given chocolate?