CNS Pharmacology USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 23-year-old woman is brought to the emergency department after ingesting approximately 30 aspirin tablets two hours ago during an argument with her partner. She has tinnitus, tachypnea at 28 breaths per minute, and nausea with one episode of vomiting. Her temperature is 38.2°C and serum salicylate level is 65 mg/dL. Arterial blood gas shows pH 7.46 with a mixed respiratory alkalosis and metabolic acidosis. In addition to supportive care, which of the following interventions enhances excretion of the drug by trapping it in the urine?
Answer choices
- AActivated charcoal to inhibit renal secretion
- BNaloxone to reverse respiratory depression
- CPhysostigmine to increase muscarinic tone
- DSodium bicarbonate administration to alkalinize the urineCorrect answer
- EAmmonium chloride administration to acidify the urine
- FHemodialysis to remove salicylate from the bloodstream
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