Ch. 3 Toxicology Poisoning

Question 1

What are the mechanisms of injury for poisoning?

Answer 1

1. ingested: foods, white gas, edible plants, etc.
2. inhaled: carbon monoxide, glues and solvents
3. absorbed: chemicals
4. Injected: insect stings, snakebite, drugs

Question 2

What are the Patient History questions you should ask if suspecting poisoning?

Answer 2

1. what was ingested/inhaled/absorbed/injected
2. how much? dose per kg of body weight is an important gauge for toxicity
3. when? How long has it been in the system
4. Who? (age, sex, size)
5. when did they eat last? stomach contents
6. was contact accidental or intentional

Question 3

treatment principles for ingested poison

Answer 3

1. contact the american association of poison control centers. 1800 222 1222
2. induce vomiting if the poison is non-corrosive and non-petroleum based, and the patient is fully responsive and it is less than 30 minutes from ingestion
3. consider evacuation

Question 4

treatment principles for inhales poison

Answer 4

1. remove from exposure
2. administer oxygen if available. assist ventilation if necessary .
3. evacuate carbon monoxide poisoning patients who have altered LOR

Question 5

Treatment principles for absorbed poison

Answer 5

1. watch out for your own safety
2. removed contaminated clothing
3. flush area with water and wash with soap. repeat

Question 6

treatment principles for injected poison

Answer 6

1. beware and treat anaphylactic reactions

2. watch for changes in LOR and monitor airway

Question 7

evacuation guidelines for poisons

Answer 7

1. consider evacuation for anyone who has ingested a potential harmful substance
2. rapid evac any poison patient who has an altered LOR or shows signs of respiratory distress.