152. Hydrocarbons

Question 1

2 main categories of hydrocarbons

Answer 1

1. Aliphatics - straight chain

2. Aromatic - cyclic

Question 2

5 chemical properties that increase volatility

Answer 2

1. Viscosity
2. Volatility
3. Side chains
4. Surface tension
5. Lipophilicity

Question 3

3 toxic effects of hydrocarbons

Answer 3

Pulmonary – aspiration
Cardiac – dysrhythmias
CNS – ALOC / seizures; brain dysfunction with chronic use

Question 4

4 inhalation effects

Answer 4

• Bronchospasm
• Displaced O2 from alveoli (volatile)
• Direct injury to alveoli/capillaries
• Inhibit surfactant function

Question 5

Qualities that increase aspiration and pneumonitis

Answer 5

High volatility
Low viscosity
Low surface tension

Question 6

Major risk of intentional GI ingestions

Answer 6

Aspiration

Question 7

Decon?

Answer 7

No lavage or AC

Question 8

Steps in MGMT of hydrocarbons

Answer 8

Resuscitate
Risk Assessment
Decontamination w/ water PRN
CXR
Oximetry
ECG
Cardiac Monitor
Intrapulmonary/ECMO for refractory pneumonitis

Question 9

5 hydrocarbons that are potentially lethal

Answer 9

CHAMP
Camphor (neurotoxicity and seizures)
Halogenated hydrocarbons (dysrhythmias and hepatotoxicity)
Aromatic hydrocarbons (bone marrow suppression and leukemia)
Metals (neurotoxicity)
Pesticides (cholinergic crises, seizures, respiratory depression)

Question 10

What is sudden sniffing death syndrome

Answer 10

• Hydrocarbons cause myocardial sensitization to catecholamines
• Stimulus (ie cops) cause VF/VT

Question 11

MGMT of sniffing death syndrome

Answer 11

• Avoid epinephrine
• Early beta-blockers (esmolol)
• Avoid defibrillation