NREMT Paramedic Practice

What is the primary use of atropine in cases of poisoning?

1. To relieve bronchospasm

2. To reverse the effects of sedatives

3. To counteract the effects of organophosphates and carbamates

4. To reduce fever

The correct answer is: To counteract the effects of organophosphates and carbamates

Atropine is primarily used in cases of poisoning to counteract the effects of organophosphates and carbamates. Organophosphates and carbamates are types of chemical agents that inhibit an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase, which leads to an accumulation of acetylcholine in the synapses. This can result in excessive stimulation of the cholinergic system, leading to symptoms such as salivation, lacrimation, urination, defecation, gastrointestinal distress, and muscle twitching. Atropine, being an anticholinergic agent, works by blocking the effects of acetylcholine on muscarinic receptors, thus alleviating these symptoms and helping to mitigate the toxic effects of the poisoning. In the context of the other options, while atropine does have multiple uses in medicine, its role in relieving bronchospasm is not its primary indication in poisoning scenarios. Additionally, the reversal of sedative effects typically involves other agents rather than atropine. Reducing fever is also not a primary effect of atropine; instead, it's more commonly addressed with antipyretics. Therefore, its efficacy in treating the specific toxicological effects of organophosphate and carbamate poisoning is what makes this answer the most appropriate