NEET-PG 2014 — Pharmacology

Q: In snake envenomation, antivenom treatment is started by giving a dose of:

10 vials. ***10 vials*** - The initial dose of **antivenom** for significant snake envenomation is commonly **10 vials** given intravenously. - This dosage aims to quickly neutralize the circulating **venom toxins** and halt the progression of envenomation effects. *4 vials* - While a smaller dose might be considered in mild cases, **4 vials** is generally insufficient for the initial treatment of moderate to severe snake envenomation. - Underdosing can lead to ongoing **tissue damage** and systemic effects. *2 vials* - An initial dose of **2 vials** of antivenom is typically too low to effectively counteract the venom in clinically significant snakebites. - This dosage would likely result in continued **toxemia** and worsening of symptoms. *20 vials* - An initial dose of **20 vials** is an exceptionally high amount and is generally reserved for extremely severe cases or when there is a poor response to the standard initial dose. - Administering an unnecessarily large dose can increase the risk of **adverse reactions** to the antivenom. [Practice more Pharmacology PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: Acrodynia, or Pink disease, occurs in poisoning with which of the following substances?

Mercury. ***Mercury*** - **Acrodynia**, also known as **Pink disease**, is a rare and severe form of **mercury poisoning**, primarily affecting infants and young children. - Key symptoms include **pinkish-red rash** on the hands and feet, hypertension, irritability, profuse sweating, and muscle weakness. *Lead* - **Lead poisoning** typically presents with symptoms such as **abdominal pain**, constipation, developmental delay, and a **lead line on the gums**. - It does not cause the characteristic rash or other symptoms associated with acrodynia. *Thallium* - **Thallium poisoning** is known for causing **hair loss (alopecia)**, excruciating neuropathic pain, gastrointestinal disturbances, and neurological symptoms. - While it is a neurotoxic heavy metal, its clinical picture is distinct from acrodynia. *Arsenic* - **Arsenic poisoning** can manifest with dermatological signs like **hyperpigmentation** and **hyperkeratosis**, as well as gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms. - It does not produce the pinkish rash, irritability, or hypertension typical of acrodynia. [Practice more Pharmacology PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: What is the active ingredient of the marking nut (Semecarpus anacardium)?

Semecarpol. ***Semecarpol*** - **Semecarpol** is a **phenolic compound** derived from the fruit of the marking nut tree (*Semecarpus anacardium*), which is responsible for its toxic and medicinal properties. - It causes **irritation**, **blistering**, and **allergic contact dermatitis** upon contact with skin. *Ricin* - **Ricin** is a **toxic protein** found in castor beans (*Ricinus communis*), not the marking nut. - It is a **potent ribosome-inactivating protein** that can be lethal if ingested, inhaled, or injected. *Croton* - **Croton** refers to a genus of plants (*Croton*) from which various compounds, including **phorbol esters**, can be extracted. - These compounds are potent **tumor promoters** and vesicants, but they are not the active ingredient of the marking nut. *Abrin* - **Abrin** is a **highly toxic protein** found in the seeds of the jequirity bean (*Abrus precatorius*), which is distinct from the marking nut. - Like ricin, abrin is a **ribosome-inactivating protein** and is extremely toxic upon exposure. [Practice more Pharmacology PYQs on OnCourse]

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In snake envenomation, antivenom treatment is started by giving a dose of:

Acrodynia, or Pink disease, occurs in poisoning with which of the following substances?

What is the active ingredient of the marking nut (Semecarpus anacardium)?

NEET-PG 2014 - Pharmacology NEET-PG Practice Questions and MCQs

Question 1: In snake envenomation, antivenom treatment is started by giving a dose of:

A. 4 vials
B. 10 vials (Correct Answer)
C. 2 vials
D. 20 vials

Explanation: ***10 vials*** - The initial dose of **antivenom** for significant snake envenomation is commonly **10 vials** given intravenously. - This dosage aims to quickly neutralize the circulating **venom toxins** and halt the progression of envenomation effects. *4 vials* - While a smaller dose might be considered in mild cases, **4 vials** is generally insufficient for the initial treatment of moderate to severe snake envenomation. - Underdosing can lead to ongoing **tissue damage** and systemic effects. *2 vials* - An initial dose of **2 vials** of antivenom is typically too low to effectively counteract the venom in clinically significant snakebites. - This dosage would likely result in continued **toxemia** and worsening of symptoms. *20 vials* - An initial dose of **20 vials** is an exceptionally high amount and is generally reserved for extremely severe cases or when there is a poor response to the standard initial dose. - Administering an unnecessarily large dose can increase the risk of **adverse reactions** to the antivenom.

Question 2: Acrodynia, or Pink disease, occurs in poisoning with which of the following substances?

A. Lead
B. Thallium
C. Arsenic
D. Mercury (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Mercury*** - **Acrodynia**, also known as **Pink disease**, is a rare and severe form of **mercury poisoning**, primarily affecting infants and young children. - Key symptoms include **pinkish-red rash** on the hands and feet, hypertension, irritability, profuse sweating, and muscle weakness. *Lead* - **Lead poisoning** typically presents with symptoms such as **abdominal pain**, constipation, developmental delay, and a **lead line on the gums**. - It does not cause the characteristic rash or other symptoms associated with acrodynia. *Thallium* - **Thallium poisoning** is known for causing **hair loss (alopecia)**, excruciating neuropathic pain, gastrointestinal disturbances, and neurological symptoms. - While it is a neurotoxic heavy metal, its clinical picture is distinct from acrodynia. *Arsenic* - **Arsenic poisoning** can manifest with dermatological signs like **hyperpigmentation** and **hyperkeratosis**, as well as gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms. - It does not produce the pinkish rash, irritability, or hypertension typical of acrodynia.

Question 3: What is the active ingredient of the marking nut (Semecarpus anacardium)?

A. Ricin
B. Croton
C. Semecarpol (Correct Answer)
D. Abrin

Explanation: ***Semecarpol*** - **Semecarpol** is a **phenolic compound** derived from the fruit of the marking nut tree (*Semecarpus anacardium*), which is responsible for its toxic and medicinal properties. - It causes **irritation**, **blistering**, and **allergic contact dermatitis** upon contact with skin. *Ricin* - **Ricin** is a **toxic protein** found in castor beans (*Ricinus communis*), not the marking nut. - It is a **potent ribosome-inactivating protein** that can be lethal if ingested, inhaled, or injected. *Croton* - **Croton** refers to a genus of plants (*Croton*) from which various compounds, including **phorbol esters**, can be extracted. - These compounds are potent **tumor promoters** and vesicants, but they are not the active ingredient of the marking nut. *Abrin* - **Abrin** is a **highly toxic protein** found in the seeds of the jequirity bean (*Abrus precatorius*), which is distinct from the marking nut. - Like ricin, abrin is a **ribosome-inactivating protein** and is extremely toxic upon exposure.