Which term describes a substance that causes illness, injury or death if taken into the body?

• A. Poison
• B. Biohazard
• C. Chronic
• D. Congenital Nursing

Answer: (A)

Poison is any substance that, when it enters the body by ingestion, inhalation, absorption, or injection, can cause illness, injury, or death. It includes chemicals, drugs in overdose, pesticides, or toxic metals, and the harm depends on the dose and route of exposure, as well as the specific toxin’s effects on organs such as the liver, heart, or nervous system. In practice, recognizing poisoning risk and knowing how to respond—secure storage and labeling of chemicals, avoiding accidental ingestion, and when to contact poison control for guidance or emergency care—are essential nursing responsibilities. The other terms don’t describe a harmful substance: a biohazard refers to biological materials that pose health risks, not a chemical toxin; chronic describes duration; congenital relates to conditions present at birth.