Toxicology: disulfiram-like reaction: practice question

A Forensic Medicine 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.

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Forensic Medicine · Toxicology: disulfiram-like reaction

Sample item

A man being treated with metronidazole for trichomoniasis drinks beer and within minutes has flushing, a throbbing headache, palpitations and vomiting. Which substance accumulates to cause this?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Acetaldehyde

Metronidazole can produce a disulfiram-like reaction in which acetaldehyde from the metabolism of alcohol accumulates and causes flushing, headache and vomiting. Methanol and formic acid are linked to methanol poisoning, and acetone is a ketone.

Option by option

  • A. Methanol

    Methanol is formed in illicit liquor and not from ethanol metabolism.

  • B. Acetone

    Acetone arises in ketosis and is not responsible for this reaction.

  • C. Formic acid

    Formic acid is the toxic product of methanol metabolism.

  • D. Acetaldehyde (correct)

    Correct. A disulfiram-like reaction causes acetaldehyde accumulation.

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.

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Questions about this Forensic Medicine question

What is the answer to this Forensic Medicine question?

The best answer is D, Acetaldehyde. Metronidazole can produce a disulfiram-like reaction in which acetaldehyde from the metabolism of alcohol accumulates and causes flushing, headache and vomiting.

Why is "Methanol" not the answer?

Methanol is formed in illicit liquor and not from ethanol metabolism.

Why is "Acetone" not the answer?

Acetone arises in ketosis and is not responsible for this reaction.

Why is "Formic acid" not the answer?

Formic acid is the toxic product of methanol metabolism.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Toxicology: disulfiram-like reaction in Forensic Medicine. Methanol and formic acid are linked to methanol poisoning, and acetone is a ketone.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. 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 Toxicology: disulfiram-like reaction?

Learn postmortem changes with their timelines, and toxicology as poison, sign, test and antidote. Then use the flashcards and the other Forensic Medicine 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.