Stimulant intoxication — MCCQE Part 1 MCQ

Correct answer: A — Provide benzodiazepines, cooling and assessment for complications such as ACS or rhabdomyolysis

Provide benzodiazepines, cooling and assessment for complications such as ACS or rhabdomyolysis is the single best answer because the age, timing, examination findings and investigations in the vignette fit Stimulant intoxication better than the alternatives. The most tempting distractor is less appropriate because it either treats a neighbouring presentation, delays a time-critical intervention, or ignores a key discriminator in the stem. The remaining options are suboptimal because they would miss the diagnosis, use an investigation or treatment in the wrong sequence, or fail to address safety and follow-up. Canadian practice should be anchored to Canadian emergency toxicology guidance, with attention to acuity, safety-netting and local provincial pathways.

Reference: Canadian emergency toxicology guidance