Psych

Question 1

Presentation of tricyclic antidepressant overdose

Answer 1

Mental status changes, seizures, prolonged QRS duration, ventricular arrhythmias, and anticholinergic findings

Question 2

How is the cardiac toxicity of a tricyclic antidepressant overdose treated?

Answer 2

With sodium bicarbonate - works by increasing serum pH and extracellular sodium

Question 3

Diffuse muscle rigidity, high fever, autonomic instability (HTN, tachycardia), altered sensorium. Elevated CK

Answer 3

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Question 4

Treatment for NMS?

Answer 4

Dantrolene - direct acting skeletal muscle relaxant. Atagonizes the ryanodine receptors, therby inhibiting calcium ion release from sarcoplasmic reticulum of skeletal muscle