Question

An 18-year-old man presents to the emergency with unconsciousness for the past 30 minutes. Parents reveal that he ingested a large quantity of nail polish remover after an argument with his sister. The patient has been huffing and bagging nail polish remover for the past two years, and has previously presented to the emergency twice with intoxication. Physical examination shows pale, cold skin, fixed, dilated pupils, silent plantars, and absent corneal reflex. He has no pulse, no measurable blood pressure, and a straight-line ECG. His death is declared, and dysrhythmia is suggested to be the most likely cause of death. Which of the following is correct regarding the pathophysiology of the development of dysrhythmias after hydrocarbon intoxication?

A. The interaction of a high dose of catecholamines and abuse substances
B. The desensitization of myocardium due to extensive use of hydrocarbons
C. The depressed release of catecholamines due to long-term use of hydrocarbons
D. The decreased sensitization of myocardium which leads to a catecholamine surge
E. The increased sensitization of myocardium to catecholamines

Answer 1

The pathophysiology of the development of dysrhythmias after hydrocarbon intoxication involves the increased sensitization of myocardium to catecholamines. In this case, the 18-year-old man ingested a large quantity of nail polish remover, which contains hydrocarbons. Increased sensitization can lead to dysrhythmias.

Step-by-step explanation:

The pathophysiology of the development of dysrhythmias after hydrocarbon intoxication involves the increased sensitization of myocardium to catecholamines. In this case, the 18-year-old man ingested a large quantity of nail polish remover, which contains hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons can sensitizes the myocardium, making it more responsive to catecholamines like adrenaline. This increased sensitization can lead to dysrhythmias, which can be fatal.