Paediatric emergencies: scorpion sting: practice question

A Pediatrics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

Pediatrics · Paediatric emergencies: scorpion sting

Sample item

A 5-year-old stung by a red scorpion has cold extremities, sweating, hypertension, tachycardia and pulmonary oedema with salivation. Which drug directly reverses the autonomic storm?

AAntihistamineBPrazosinCAtropineDHydralazine alone

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Prazosin

Red scorpion (Mesobuthus tamulus) venom causes massive catecholamine release with an autonomic storm and myocarditis. Prazosin, an alpha blocker, counteracts the effects and improves outcome, and antivenom is used in severe cases.

Option by option

A. Antihistamine
Antihistamines do not treat the autonomic storm.
B. Prazosin (correct)
Correct. Prazosin is the drug of choice.
C. Atropine
Atropine can worsen tachycardia and hypertension.
D. Hydralazine alone
Hydralazine alone does not block alpha effects.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this Pediatrics question

What is the answer to this Pediatrics question?

The best answer is B, Prazosin. Red scorpion (Mesobuthus tamulus) venom causes massive catecholamine release with an autonomic storm and myocarditis.

Why is "Antihistamine" not the answer?

Antihistamines do not treat the autonomic storm.

Why is "Atropine" not the answer?

Atropine can worsen tachycardia and hypertension.

Why is "Hydralazine alone" not the answer?

Hydralazine alone does not block alpha effects.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Paediatric emergencies: scorpion sting in Pediatrics. Prazosin, an alpha blocker, counteracts the effects and improves outcome, and antivenom is used in severe cases.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Paediatric emergencies: scorpion sting?

Memorise milestones and the vaccine schedule as tables and revise them often. Then use the flashcards and the other Pediatrics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.