skip to main content

Methanol poisoning — SCE Acute Medicine MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardToxicology and OverdoseMethanol poisoningSCE Acute Medicine

A 39-year-old man is assessed on the acute medical unit. He has visual blurring and abdominal pain after drinking illicit spirits. ABG shows severe high anion gap metabolic acidosis and osmolar gap is raised. Initial assessment includes relevant observations, bedside tests and urgent blood results. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C — Methanol poisoning

Methanol poisoning is the best answer because visual symptoms with severe acidosis after illicit alcohol suggest methanol poisoning. Hyperkalaemia is plausible, but it is less appropriate for the physiology or timing described in this stem. The other distractors either fit a neighbouring presentation, delay definitive treatment, or miss the key immediate risk. Clinical pearl: Formate is responsible for optic nerve toxicity.

Reference: https://bnf.nice.org.uk/#acute-medicine-order-66-1