MSC 07 4390
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131
Physical Location:
UNM Business Center - 1650 University NE
Suite 4200
Phone: (505) 272-4261
Fax: (505) 272-5892
1. B. False. Child – resistant does not mean child – proof. There are those children who can figure out how to get into child – resistant bottles. It is always best to keep all poisons in their child – resistant packaging and out of sight and reach of children. Remember, children act fast and so do poisons!
2. A. A poison can be any substance that can make someone sick or cause death if taken in the wrong amount, in the wrong way or by the wrong person.
3. B. False. It is always best to keep all poisons in their child – resistant packaging and out of sight and reach of children. If possible, lock up all poisonous substances. If children really want to get into a poisonous substance, they are likely to climb to get it.
4. F. All of the above. When you think of medicines you probably think of getting well. But remember, that any substance can make someone sick or cause death if taken in the wrong amount, in the wrong way or by the wrong person. There are plenty of medicines that can cause illness or death if one overdoses on them. There are also a lot of poisonous plants such as oleander, jimson weed and fox glove.
5. F. All of the above. It is always best to keep all poisons in their child – resistant packaging and out of sight and reach of children. If possible, lock up all poisonous substances. Also, poisons often look and smell like food and drink, and medicines look and taste like candy; store poisons away from food and drink.
6. D. The Poison Center. If an individual is having any kind of trouble breathing, is having seizures or is unconscious, call 911 right away. Otherwise, call the Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 for fast, free, confidential advice for treating a poisoning. The New Mexico Poison Center is staffed by experts that are specially trained in the management and treatment of poisonings. The New Mexico Poison Center saves time, money and lives!
7. B. Prescription drugs. Our biggest drug problem is not on the streets, it’s in our medicine cabinets! Prescription drug misuse and abuse, particularly painkillers, has become a growing epidemic in the United States. In New Mexico, poisonings are the leading cause of unintentional injury death, and this is largely due to drug misuse and abuse.
8. E. All of the above. The Arizona bark scorpion, coral snake and Gila monster can be found in the southwest corner of New Mexico. The Arizona bark scorpion and coral snake can cause serious illness and possibly death.
9. A. Yes. Too much water can cause electrolyte dilution, a condition where potassium and sodium concentrations in our blood are too low. There is a documented case where an individual took the designer drug ecstasy which makes you very thirsty. Unfortunately, this person drank herself to death—not with alcohol but with water!
10. A. 5 years of age and under. While most poisonings occur among young children, there are more poison – related deaths among adults. Remember, poisonings span a lifetime!
