Which professional studies exposure to poisons and their effects?

• A. Toxicologist
• B. RN
• C. CNA
• D. LPN

Answer: (A)

Studying poisons and how they affect the body is the work of toxicology. A toxicologist specializes in understanding exposure to chemicals—the ways poisons enter the body, the doses that cause harm, how they are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated, and the mechanisms by which they produce damage. They also assess risk, establish safety thresholds, and may develop antidotes or guidelines to prevent or treat poisoning.

Nurses and nursing assistants focus on direct patient care, monitoring, and support. They may recognize poisoning symptoms and provide immediate care, but the in-depth study of poisons, their effects, and exposure scenarios lies with a toxicologist.