MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

You answer a call about a poison victim. The BEST way to determine the type of poisoning is to do which of the following?

1. Interview and examine the victim

2. Search the area for the source of the poison

3. Ask the victim for medical history

4. Administer antidote immediately

The correct answer is: Interview and examine the victim

The most effective method to determine the type of poisoning is to interview and examine the victim. This approach allows the responder to gather crucial information about symptoms, recent activities, and potential exposures that the victim may have encountered. Engaging with the victim can reveal what they ingested, inhaled, or came into contact with, which is vital for correctly identifying the poison and ensuring the appropriate treatment. Gathering information directly from the victim helps to establish the timeline of events leading up to the poisoning, any noticeable symptoms, and other contextual details that may assist healthcare professionals in making informed decisions regarding the necessary interventions. While searching the area for the source of the poison could provide additional context, it may not be feasible in all situations, and valuable time could be lost if the victim's condition is deteriorating. Asking for medical history can be important, but it usually doesn’t provide specific information about the current poisoning incident. Administering an antidote immediately, without precise knowledge of the poison, could lead to serious complications or exacerbate the situation. Therefore, the thorough examination of the victim and dialogue is the most direct and informative way to approach the situation.