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Organophosphate poisoning — ABEM Board MCQ

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ModerateToxicologyOrganophosphate poisoningABEM Board

A 44-year-old farm worker arrives as triage level 1 with salivation, lacrimation, bronchorrhea, wheezing, vomiting, miosis, and muscle fasciculations after pesticide exposure. HR is 48/min. 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: C — High-dose atropine plus pralidoxime and decontamination

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

Reference: CDC/ATSDR organophosphate guidance; ABEM EM Model