Question Regarding Metabolism of f acetonitrile and acetone: A young mother cont

Question

Question Regarding Metabolism of f acetonitrile and acetone:

A young mother contacted the poison control center because her 2 year old daughter ingested some acetonitrile based nail polish remover and then 0 vomited 15 minutes later. No treatment was recommended because it was confused with acetone based nail polish remover. The child was put to bed about 2 hours after ingestion. Respiratory distress developed sometime after the child was put to bed and she was found dead the next morning. Explain why metabolism of acetonitrile caused respiratory distress and based on the cause, what could have been done to prevent death. Explain why metabolism of a small amount of acetone would not require treatment.

Explanation / Answer

7. Acetonitrile is metabolised to hydrogen cyanide which is the source of many respiratory diseases. Symptoms include chest pain, tightness in the chest, nausea, emesis, tachycardia, hypotension, short & shallow respiration, headache, seizures and restlessness. All these symptoms are due to conversion of acetonitrile to cyanide. Acetonitrile is absorbed through gastrointestinal tract, skin and lungs. All three ways lead to systemic effects. As soon as respiratory distress is seen she has to be moved to fresh air and artificial respiration has to be provided . She has to be be kept under medical observation.

B.Metabolism of acetone in small amount just causes headache, slurred speech, sweet taste in mouth, lack of coordination & lethargy. So all these can be treated by inhaling tablets or home remedies. Hence treatment is not required.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse Q
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.