Ch 25 Poisoning and Overdose Emergencies Flashcards
Any substance that can harm the body by altering cell structure or functions
Poison
A poisonous substance secreted by bacteria, plants, or animals
Toxin
Poisons that are swallowed
Ingested poisons
Poisons that are breathed in
Inhaled poisons
Poisons that are taken into the body through unbroken skin
Absorbed poisons
Poisons that are inserted through the skin (eg by needle, fangs, or stinger)
Injected poisons
A substance that adsorbs many poisons and prevents them from being absorbed by the body
Activated charcoal
Thinning down or weakening by mixing with something else (eg water or milk)
Dilution
A substance that will neutralize the poison or its effects
Antidote
Referring to alcohol or drug [], in which the patient’s body reacts severely when deprived of the abused substance
Withdrawal
A severe reaction that can be part of alcohol withdrawal, characterized by sweating, trembling, anxiety, and hallucinations; can lead to death if untreated
Delirium tremens (DTs)
A class of drugs that affects the nervous system and changes many normal body activities; their legal use is for the relief of pain; their illicit use is to produce an intense state of relaxation
Opioids
Stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamine that affect the central nervous system and excite the user
Uppers
Depressants, such as benzodiazepines, that depress the central nervous system, and which are often used to bring on a more relaxed state of mind
Downers
Mind-affecting or mind-altering drugs that act on the central nervous system to produce excitement and distortion of perceptions
Hallucinogens
