Posttest

For each question, select the one best answer.

1. What are characteristics of ethylene glycol?
   1. It is a clear, colorless, odorless, sweet-tasting liquid.
   2. It causes acute toxicity in humans if ingested.
   3. It is poorly absorbed by skin and has low potential for significant inhalation exposure.
   4. All of the above.
2. Which of the following products may contain ethylene glycol?
   1. Latex Paints.
   2. Antifreeze.
   3. Solvents.
   4. All of the above.
3. Which of the following statements about ethylene glycol are true?
   1. Inhalation is a common route of exposure because of the high vapor pressure.
   2. Accidental or intentional ingestion accounts for most poisonings.
   3. It is absorbed readily through intact skin.
   4. All of the above.
4. Propylene glycol is generally recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in which of the following?
   1. Food and tobacco products.
   2. Pharmaceuticals.
   3. Cosmetics.
   4. All of the above
5. After ingestion, what happens to ethylene glycol?
   1. It is slowly absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract.
   2. It is stored and persists in fatty tissue.
   3. It reaches peak tissue levels after 24 hours.
   4. It is metabolized in the liver to a variety of compounds of increased toxicity.
6. The first signs of ethylene glycol poisoning generally include which of the following?
   1. A characteristic odor of ethanol on the breath
   2. Signs and symptoms similar to those of ethanol intoxication
   3. Cardiopulmonary signs such as tachypnea and pulmonary edema.
   4. Oliguric renal failure.
7. Acute ethylene glycol exposure can adversely affect all of the following except which?
   1. Lungs
   2. Heart
   3. Pancreas
   4. Kidneys
8. Which of the following statements regarding nephrotoxicity from ethylene glycol poisoning is false?
   1. Kidney damage manifests as acute oliguric renal failure.
   2. Costovertebral angle tenderness is the most common physical finding.
   3. Absence of oxalate crystals will rule out the diagnosis of ethylene glycol poisoning.
   4. Urinalysis shows proteinuria.
9. While determining the patient’s exposure history, what additional information should you ask about?
   1. A history of ethanol abuse
   2. A history of possible substance abuse
   3. Similar symptoms in family members, friends, pets and coworkers
   4. All of the above
10. Useful laboratory tests for diagnosing ethylene glycol poisoning include which of the following?
    1. Arterial blood gases (ABG)
    2. Blood glucose
    3. Blood ethanol
    4. All of the above
11. Treatment strategies for ethylene glycol poisoning may include which of the following?
    1. Sodium bicarbonate to correct the metabolic acidosis, as indicated.
    2. Fomepizole to competitively inhibit metabolism of ethylene glycol to its more toxic metabolites.
    3. Hemodialysis, if indicated, to remove ethylene glycol and glycolic acid.
    4. All of the above.
12. What are the disadvantages of ethanol therapy?
    1. It requires continuous administration and frequent monitoring of serum ethanol and glucose levels.
    2. It can cause CNS depression and hypoglycemia.
    3. It poses problems in patient care, such as drunkenness.
    4. All of the above.
13. Treatment for acute propylene glycol poisoning might include which of the following?
    1. Sodium bicarbonate therapy.
    2. Administration of calcium gluconate.
    3. Ethanol administration.
    4. Hyperbaric oxygen.
14. Which of the following statements comparing ethylene glycol and propylene glycol are true?
    1. Propylene glycol is most commonly found in foods and medicines, and ethylene glycol is found in antifreeze and other commercial products.
    2. Both glycols are used for aircraft de-icing.
    3. Neither compound is likely to persist for long periods in the environment.
    4. All of the above.

EG/PG Post-test Answers:

1. D
2. D
3. B
4. D
5. D
6. B
7. C
8. C
9. D
10. D
11. D
12. D
13. A
14. D