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Organophosphate poisoning — ABEM Board MCQ

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ModerateToxicologyOrganophosphate poisoningABEM Board

A 27-year-old man arrives as ESI 2 after being sprayed with pesticide. He has salivation, lacrimation, bronchorrhea, vomiting, miosis, and wheezing. HR is 48 and SpO2 is 88%. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

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

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Correct answer: EAdminister atropine and pralidoxime with decontamination

Organophosphate poisoning causes cholinergic excess; atropine treats muscarinic symptoms and pralidoxime reactivates acetylcholinesterase before aging.

Reference: CDC/NIOSH organophosphate guidance; Goldfrank Toxicologic Emergencies