Structural Pest Control Applicator Practice Exam

What substance can be mixed with water into a thick syrup to absorb swallowed poisons?

1. sodium bicarbonate

2. calcium carbonate

3. activated charcoal

4. magnesium sulfate

The correct answer is: activated charcoal

Activated charcoal is a substance that is commonly used in emergency situations to treat poisoning or overdose. It works by adsorbing (binding to) various toxic substances present in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby preventing their absorption into the bloodstream. When activated charcoal is mixed with water to create a thick syrup, it forms a suspension that can be ingested to effectively trap swallowed poisons. This method is particularly crucial in medical settings because the timely administration of activated charcoal can significantly reduce the absorption of certain types of poisons if given shortly after ingestion. It is not an antidote but rather a method of treatment that can help diminish the effects of toxic substances. In contrast, while sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate, and magnesium sulfate can have various uses in health and medicine, they do not serve the same purpose as activated charcoal when it comes to absorbing poisons. Sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate are antacids used to treat stomach acidity, and magnesium sulfate is primarily utilized for issues like constipation or in some medical treatments, but none of these have the property of adsorbing a wide range of toxins effectively.