Aspirin OD

Question 1

What is it?

Answer 1

Taking too much aspirin leads to many complications in the body

Question 2

Pathophysiology? (4)

Answer 2

1. Aspirin inhibits krebs cycle and uncouples oxidative phosphorylation so only anaerobic respiration occurs»> METABOLIC ACIDOSIS because of all the lactic acid production
2. Hyperventilation to compensate for the acidosis» respiratiory alkalosis
3. Body compensates for respiratory alkalosis by increasing HCO3- and K+ excretion via urine
4. Continuous vomiting due to toxicity leads to dehydration and metabolic alkalosis

Question 3

Presentation? (6)

Answer 3

Dizzy
High fever
Hyperventilation
Confusions and convulsions
Vomiting
Tinnitus

Question 4

Signs ? (3)

Answer 4

Fever
tachypnoea
Tachycardia

Question 5

App Ix? (6)

Answer 5

ABG» check for acidosis etc
Serum salicylate level
FBC
LFT» because aspirin can cause hepatotoxicity
PT APTT» because aspirin is a blood thinner, look at the clotting profile of blood
ECG» look for signs of hypokalaemia

Question 6

Mx

Answer 6

Sodium bicarbonate to combat the metabolic acidosis

after hospital admission

Question 7

signs of hypokalaemia on ecg? (3)

Answer 7

Inverted t waves
prolonged PR
st depression