Texas Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

What are some signs of severe or acute pesticide poisoning?

1. Dry mouth and fatigue

2. Fever, intense thirst, vomiting

3. Headaches and dizziness

4. Rashes and itching

The correct answer is: Fever, intense thirst, vomiting

Severe or acute pesticide poisoning can manifest through a variety of symptoms, with specific signs indicating a critical condition that requires immediate medical attention. Intense thirst, fever, and vomiting are hallmark indicators of severe toxicity, often reflecting the body’s distress response to the chemical agents in pesticides. When the body becomes overwhelmed by a pesticide, it may lead to hyperthermia, which causes a fever, showcasing the systemic toxicity affecting the body. Intense thirst can indicate dehydration or a homeostatic response triggered by the body’s attempts to cope with poison. Meanwhile, vomiting may serve as a defense mechanism, trying to expel the harmful substances that have been ingested. These symptoms suggest a more intense level of toxicity compared to other choices where the signs of poisoning are more mild or chronic in nature; for instance, dry mouth and fatigue may imply less acute conditions, and rashes or itching could indicate an allergic reaction rather than an acute systemic response. Headaches and dizziness can be seen in many exposures but do not carry the same critical implications as the symptoms highlighted in the identified correct answer.