Question

A 19-year-old man presents to the emergency department with complaints of cough, shortness of breath, dizziness, and incoordination. The patient appears intoxicated and confused. The symptoms started while he was inhaling paint thinner for recreational purposes. A diagnosis of acute inhalant intoxication is made. Which of the following is the mainstay of treatment in this patient?

A. Steroids
B. Antibiotics
C. Steroids plus antibiotics
D. Epinephrine
E. Supportive care

Answer 1

The mainstay of treatment for acute inhalant intoxication is supportive care, focusing on vital sign monitoring, airway management, and potentially providing oxygen, rather than steroids, antibiotics, or epinephrine.

Step-by-step explanation:

The mainstay of treatment for a patient diagnosed with acute inhalant intoxication, such as inhaling paint thinner for recreational purposes, is supportive care. This includes monitoring of vital signs, ensuring that the patient has a clear airway, and providing oxygen if necessary. Additionally, activated charcoal and other interventions might be used to treat any ingested toxins. In this case, treatments like steroids, antibiotics, and epinephrine are not appropriate as they do not address the underlying issue of inhalant intoxication. The focus should be on supportive measures that manage the symptoms and protect the respiratory system while the body metabolizes and clears the inhaled substances.