Question

Which statements are accurate regarding chronic aspirin poisoning? Select all that apply. One, some, or all responses may be correct.

1. Chronic aspirin poisoning is often mistaken for viral illness.
2. Acute ingestion of aspirin is always more serious than chronic ingestion.
3. Peritoneal dialysis is used in the treatment of severe cases of aspirin poisoning.
4. Acute ingestion of aspirin causes severe toxicity when the dosage is 200 to 250 mg/kg.
5. Chronic ingestion of aspirin occurs when an amount greater than 100 mg/kg per day is ingested for more than 2 days.

Answer 1

Chronic aspirin poisoning can be mistaken for a viral illness due to similar nonspecific symptoms. Acute and chronic aspirin poisoning both have serious health risks. Treatment for severe cases may involve peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis, especially when potentially toxic dosages are ingested.

Step-by-step explanation:

Assessing the statements regarding chronic aspirin poisoning, we can determine their accuracy as follows:

1. Chronic aspirin poisoning is often mistaken for viral illness - This statement is accurate because the symptoms of chronic aspirin poisoning, such as nausea, vomiting, and dizziness, can be nonspecific and similar to those of a viral infection.
2. Acute ingestion of aspirin is always more serious than chronic ingestion - This is not necessarily true. While acute ingestion can lead to severe toxicity at high doses, chronic ingestion can also have serious and even life-threatening consequences due to the cumulative effect.
3. Peritoneal dialysis is used in the treatment of severe cases of aspirin poisoning - Peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis may be used in severe cases to remove the excess aspirin from the bloodstream.
4. Acute ingestion of aspirin causes severe toxicity when the dosage is 200 to 250 mg/kg - This is generally true, as dosages within this range can lead to severe acute toxicity, particularly in children or in individuals who are sensitive to aspirin.
5. Chronic ingestion of aspirin occurs when an amount greater than 100 mg/kg per day is ingested for more than 2 days - This statement is somewhat accurate; however, the context of usage and individual sensitivity should also be taken into consideration when defining chronic ingestion.

It's essential to note that aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and can cause stomach bleeding and kidney damage at high doses or with long-term use. Metabolic acidosis is a potential consequence of an overdose of aspirin, due to the acidity of its metabolite, sulfasalicylic acid.

Answer 2

Chronic aspirin poisoning can mimic viral illness symptoms, acute ingestion at high doses is generally more severe, and severe poisoning cases may require hemodialysis.

Step-by-step explanation:

Chronic aspirin poisoning can sometimes be mistaken for viral illnesses due to overlapped nonspecific symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and general malaise. Acute ingestion of aspirin becomes severely toxic at dosages of approximately 200 to 250 mg/kg, which may lead to life-threatening conditions and therefore generally considered more serious than chronic ingestion. However, chronic ingestion, defined by amounts greater than 100 mg/kg per day ingested over several days, can also be detrimental. For severe aspirin poisoning, treatment can include the use of hemodialysis rather than peritoneal dialysis, which is more efficient at removing salicylates from the body.