Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

What is one example of a chemical agent that may lead to tissue damage?

1. Electric shock

2. Acids and bases

3. Ultraviolet light

4. Sharp objects

The correct answer is: Acids and bases

Acids and bases are well-known chemical agents that can cause significant tissue damage. When they come into contact with skin or mucous membranes, they can result in chemical burns, leading to cellular injury and necrosis. Acids, such as sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid, can degrade proteins and lipids in tissues, while bases, such as sodium hydroxide, can saponify fats and cause severe damage to underlying tissues. The corrosive nature of these substances makes them particularly dangerous, as they can cause immediate and often irreversible damage upon contact. Effective treatment typically involves neutralizing the chemical and managing the resultant injuries to minimize long-term effects. Other options represent forms of injury but do not fit the definition of chemical agents. Electric shock is physical, UV light is a form of radiation, and sharp objects can cause trauma but do not have a chemical composition that results in tissue damage in the same way that acids and bases do.