A patient presents to the emergency depament with bluish discolouration of conjunctiva, mucus membranes and nails one hour after ingestion of a poison. Examination reveals tachycardia and hypotension. Which of the following is the most likely ingested substance?
Presence of bluish discolouration of conjunctiva, mucus membranes and nails suggests cyanosis. Cyanosis together with peripheral vascular failure and shock within one hour of ingestion of a poison suggests Acute Arsenic poisoning of the Fulminant type. Ref: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology By K.S Narayan Reddy, 29th Edition, Page 482; Recognition and Management of Pesticide Poisonings (5th Ed.) By J. Routt Reiga, Pages 127-30
Mercury
Arsenic
Lead
Silver