12-16-2006, 06:47 AM
Two days after admission to the hospital
because of a 3-day
history of slurred speech, double vision, and
dysphagia, a 24-year-old
woman becomes quadriplegic and requires intubation and
mechanical
ventilation. Her medical history is unremarkable.
One week ago, she attended a
family picnic; several of her family members have had
abdominal cramps
and diarrhea since the picnic. Her temperature is 37
C (98.6 F), blood
pressure is 120/80 mm Hg, and pulse is 120/min.
Examination shows dry
mucous membranes, large unreactive pupils,
ophthalmoplegia, and
profound facial weakness. There is areflexia,
quadriplegia, and no movement
of the palate and tongue. Sensation is normal.
Babinski's sign is
absent. Which of the following is the most
appropriate pharmacotherapy?
A
) Antitoxin
B
) Azathioprine
C
) Interferon
D
) Pyridostigmine
E
) Riluzole
because of a 3-day
history of slurred speech, double vision, and
dysphagia, a 24-year-old
woman becomes quadriplegic and requires intubation and
mechanical
ventilation. Her medical history is unremarkable.
One week ago, she attended a
family picnic; several of her family members have had
abdominal cramps
and diarrhea since the picnic. Her temperature is 37
C (98.6 F), blood
pressure is 120/80 mm Hg, and pulse is 120/min.
Examination shows dry
mucous membranes, large unreactive pupils,
ophthalmoplegia, and
profound facial weakness. There is areflexia,
quadriplegia, and no movement
of the palate and tongue. Sensation is normal.
Babinski's sign is
absent. Which of the following is the most
appropriate pharmacotherapy?
A
) Antitoxin
B
) Azathioprine
C
) Interferon
D
) Pyridostigmine
E
) Riluzole