Optic neuropathy: methanol: practice question

A Ophthalmology 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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Ophthalmology · Optic neuropathy: methanol

Sample item

A man develops blurred vision, a hyperaemic disc and severe metabolic acidosis after drinking illicit liquor. What antidote is used?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Fomepizole

Methanol is metabolised to formic acid, which damages the optic nerve. Fomepizole or ethanol blocks alcohol dehydrogenase, with bicarbonate, folate and haemodialysis.

Option by option

  • A. Flumazenil

    Flumazenil reverses benzodiazepines.

  • B. N-acetylcysteine

    N-acetylcysteine is for paracetamol poisoning.

  • C. Fomepizole (correct)

    Correct. Fomepizole inhibits alcohol dehydrogenase.

  • D. Naloxone

    Naloxone reverses opioids.

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 Ophthalmology question

What is the answer to this Ophthalmology question?

The best answer is C, Fomepizole. Methanol is metabolised to formic acid, which damages the optic nerve.

Why is "Flumazenil" not the answer?

Flumazenil reverses benzodiazepines.

Why is "N-acetylcysteine" not the answer?

N-acetylcysteine is for paracetamol poisoning.

Why is "Naloxone" not the answer?

Naloxone reverses opioids.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Optic neuropathy: methanol in Ophthalmology. Fomepizole or ethanol blocks alcohol dehydrogenase, with bicarbonate, folate and haemodialysis.

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 Optic neuropathy: methanol?

Group the red eye by what to examine and what the pupil does. Then use the flashcards and the other Ophthalmology 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.