Approach to the Poisoned Patient: History and Management Flashcards
Poison prevention strategies
Child proof caps, child proof containers, storage location, environmental precautions, taking appropriate doses, disposing of unused/expired drugs, never mix household products (ammonia and bleach)
General information to collect about a poisoned patient
Age and weight, health history, time of exposure, route of exposure, present symptoms, exact name of the product (if available), estimate to how much may have been ingested, strength of product, formulation (IR, XR, etc.) occupation, notes (like suicide notes)
General treatment approach: assessing the patient
level of exposure, amount, symptoms
General treatment approach: self-treatment at home
mild exposures
General treatment approach: referral to a hospital
moderate-severe exposure, intentional ingestions
ABCs of management
Airway
Breathing
Circulation
Dextrose/ decontamination
EKG/elimination
Non-pharm therapies: inhalation
removing the patient from the exposure area
Non-pharm therapies: topical/dermal
Washing with soap and water
Non-pharm therapies: ingestions
Fluids can be more harmful, can increase absorption potential of toxin ingested
Triggering a gag reflex isn’t recommended
Pharmacological strategies: syrup of ipecac
D/C’ed, NOT RECOMMENDED
Feature about AC (in terms of its SA)
The SA increases when it’s heated up
Substances that won’t bind to AC
ionized metals, alcohols, gasoline
What is added to AC to improve palatability?
Sorbitol
ADEs of AC
black tarry stools, vomiting
What do you need before giving AC?
A PROTECTED AIRWAY!
