Chapter 21 Flashcards
Poison
Any substance that can harm the body by altering cell structure or fuctions
Toxin
A poisonous substance secreted by bacteria, plants or animals
4 types of poisons
Ingested- poisons that are swallowed
Inhaled- poisons that are breathed
Absorbed- poisons that are taken in thru unbroken skin
Injected- poison taken in thru skin
Syrup of Ipecac
Syrup ingested to make you puke
Removes less than 1/3 stomach contents
Usually use charcoal
Activated charcoal
A substance to absorb poison and prevents body to absorb.
Manufactured to have many cranks and crevices to absorb more.
Not a antidote. Contact medical direction and poison control center)
Contradicted: People who cannot swallow Altered mental status Patient ingested acid/alkalis (oven cleaners, drain cleaners, toilet bowl cleaner, lye) Patients who swallow gasoline Food poisoning Cannot force people to take
Dilution
Watering down ingested poison with a glass or milk or water. (Children 1/2 glass)
Usually don’t need transport to hospital
Antidotes
A substance to neutralize poison or effects
Rare
Ex. Nalaxone- opioid antidote
Inhaled poisons
Present within atmosphere, risk of breathing in.
Carbon monoxide (common) Chlorine gas Ammonia Sprayed agricultural chemicals Pesticides Carbon dioxide
Inhaled poison care
Make sure patient safe area, secondary assessment, most important treatment to administer oxygen, transport with any containers with poison, reasses enroute
Carbon monoxide
Causes: Motor vehicle Fire suppression Indoor wood stoves and heating Indoor use of motors
Odorless, colorless, and tasteless
*cherry red skin in not typical
Smoke inhalation
Smoke containes many poisonous substances (plastics and synthetics)
Signs:
Cough/difficult breathing
Carbon (black) residue near nose and mouth
Coughing up black sputum
Administer oxygen
“Detergent suicides”
Toilet cleaner + bath salts= toxic hydrogen sulfide
Acid mixed with sulfer
Hydrogen sulfide takes place of oxygen molecule
Absorbed poisons
Decon patient before emt touches them. Wash down for 20 minutes body/eyes
Delirium tremens (DT)
Withdrawal from alcohol
Insane behavior, hallucinations, shaking of hands, sweating, seizures, hypertension, and tachycardia
Uppers
Affect nervous system, excite user. Dialated pupils
Coke, caffeine, meth, ritalin
