Question

Police brought a person from the railway track with features of a dry, dilated pupil, dry skin, slurring of speech, and altered sensorium. The poisoning is?

• A. Morphine
• B. Cannabis
• C. Datura
• D. Alcohol

Hint:

In cases of suspected anticholinergic poisoning, Datura should be considered, especially if the patient exhibits classic signs like dry skin and dilated pupils.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The scenario describes a case of poisoning with specific symptoms: dry, dilated pupils, dry skin, slurred speech, and altered sensorium. Let's break down these symptoms:

• Dry, dilated pupils and dry skin suggest an anticholinergic toxidrome.
• Slurred speech and altered sensorium can also be associated with central nervous system effects of anticholinergic agents.

Among the given options, Datura poisoning matches this profile. Datura contains anticholinergic substances such as atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine, which lead to symptoms like dry mouth, mydriasis (dilated pupils), dry skin, and altered mental status. These are recognized signs of anticholinergic toxicity.

Let's look at why other options do not fit:

• Morphine: An opioid that typically causes miosis (constricted pupils), respiratory depression, and decreased level of consciousness, not consistent with dry skin and dilated pupils.
• Cannabis: Might cause altered sensorium and conjunctival injection, but not dry skin or dilated pupils.
• Alcohol: Primarily causes slurred speech and altered sensorium, but lacks the other anticholinergic features like dry skin and dilated pupils.

Therefore, the most accurate diagnosis considering the symptoms is Datura poisoning.