Ch22: Toxicology Flashcards
toxicology
study of poisonous and toxic substances
poison
substances whose chemical actions can damage body structures or impair body functions
substance abuse
the misuse of any substance to produce a desired effect like euphoria
overdose
when a patient takes a toxic or lethal dose of a substance
what should you do if you have the slightest suspicion of ingestion/exposure to a toxic substance?
notify medical control and begin emergency treatment immediately
examples of opioids and opiates
morphine, codeine, heroine, oxycodone, fentanyl, methadone)
signs and symptoms of opioid and opiate overdose
pinpoint pupils
sedation/coma
hypotension
hypoventilation
(everything low)
examples of sympathomimetic drugs
cocaine, methamphetamine, mephedrone
signs and symptoms of sympathomimetic overdose
mimics sympathetic NS = flight or fight
tachycardia
hypertension
agitation, anxiety
dilated pupils
hyperthermia
examples of sedative-hypnotics
diazepam, temazepam, secobarbital, midazolam
remember Zzz’s
signs and symptoms of sedative-hypnotic overdose
slurred speech
sedation/coma
hypotension
hypoventilation
what are anticholinergics
substances that block the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. they are used to treat a variety of diseases e.g. Parkinson’s disease, COPD, overactive bladder
examples of anticholinergics
atropine, diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine, doxylamine, datura stramonium (jimsonweed)
*(-ine)
signs and symptoms of anticholinergic overdose
tachycardia
hyperventilation
hypertension
dilated pupils
dry skin and mucous membranes
sedation, agitation, delirium, coma
decreased bowel sounds
*remember:
sympathetic NS –> norepinephrine
parasympathetic NS –> acetylcholine
therefore by inhibiting acetylcholine, anticholinergic OD will cause flight-or-flight-like symptoms
what are cholinergic drugs
They can act as acetylcholine neurotransmitter, improving the signal transduction from one neuron to another
