Chapter 21 Poisons

Question 1

4 types of poison

Answer 1

• ingested poisons
• inhaled poisons
• absorbed poisons
• injected poisons

Question 2

if substance was ingested, certain info is needed

Answer 2

• what was the substance involved?
• when did it occur
• how much was ingested
• how long was the ingested period
• what interventions has the patient, family, or bystanders taken?
• patients estimated weight?
• what effects is the patient experiencing?

Question 3

contraindications of activated charcoal

Answer 3

• patient can’t swallow
• altered mental status may choke
• patients who have ingested alkaline or acid (damage has already been done in mouth and esophagus)
• patients who have swallowed gasoline

Question 4

activated charcoal (ingested poison)

Answer 4

not indicated in cases of food poisoning

dosage

• 1g of charcoal : 1kg of body weight
• usual adult dose 25-50g
• usual pediatric dose 12.5-25g

medication form

• premixed 12.5 dose
• powder form (should be avoided in field)

trade name:
-superchar, instachar,actidose,liqui-char

Question 5

syrup of ipecae (ingested poison)

Answer 5

a traditional treatment for poisoning

• causes vomiting in most people
• vomiting removes less than 1/3 of stomach contents
• rarely used today

Question 6

dilution (ingested poison)

Answer 6

sometimes these patients will required assisted ventilations. do not make direct contact with patients skin due to possible drug contamination.

Question 7

antidotes (ingested poison)

Answer 7

naloxone

but there are many poisons that have no antidote

Question 8

naloxone

Answer 8

used on narcotic overdoses, reversing the effects.

dosage: .04-2.0mg
side effect: may start patient withdrawal

Question 9

acetaminophen overdose

Answer 9

slow signs of toxic effects, that last long long after. liver gets overwhelmed and will be unable to detox

if the antidote is given within 12 hours the patient should recover with a functioning liver

symptoms: loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, right upper quadrant pain, and jaundice

Question 10

carbon monoxide poisoning

Answer 10

signs :

• vague
• flulike symptoms
• headache
• breathing difficulties
• cyanosis
• altered mental status
• dizziness
• nausea

causes:

• wood-burning stoves
• doors leading to garage
• bedrooms above garage
• sitting in idle vehicle over a long period of time

antidote: Oxygen

Question 11

detergent suicide

Answer 11

mixture of 2 chemicals makes hydrogen sulfide gas

-made from toilet cleaner and bath salts
(basic chemicals needed are acid and sulfur)
death is caused in severe cases by swelling of lungs (pulmonary edema)

scene size up warnings

• small enclosed spaces
• cars with windows sealed (taped shut)
• sign or note of suicide warning of danger for rescuers

Question 12

absorbed poisons

Answer 12

frequently irritate or damage skin

Question 13

SDS

Answer 13

safety data sheet

Question 14

removal of absorbed poison from body

Answer 14

irrigate with large amounts of clean water.

Question 15

liquid poison

Answer 15

wash and flush for 20 min

Question 16

powders

Answer 16

brush off of the patient

Question 17

eyes with poison

Answer 17

wash for 20 min

Question 18

DT

Answer 18

delirium temens

a severe reaction that can be a part of alcohol withdrawals 
-sweating 
-trembling
-anxiety
-hallucinations
can lead to death if left untreated.

Question 19

patient under the influence of alcohol

Answer 19

cannot make an informed refusal of treatment/transport. (implied consent)

Question 20

uppers

Answer 20

stimulants such as amphetamines that affect the central nervous system to excite the user.

Question 21

downer

Answer 21

depressants such as barbiturates. that depress the central nervous system which is often used to bring on a more relaxed state of mind

Question 22

narcotics

Answer 22

dugs that effect nervous system, when prescribed work as pain relief. when abused this drug produces an intense state of relaxation.

Question 23

volatile chemicals

Answer 23

vaporizing compounds, such as cleaning fluid that the user breathes in to create a high.

• can create an initial rush but then act as a depressant on the central nervous system.
• cleaning fluid, glue, model cement, correction fluids

Question 24

uppers

Answer 24

-amphetamine
-coke
-crack
desoxyn (black beauty)
dexies
speed
crank
meth
ritalin
predulin

Question 25

downers

Answer 25

dolls
blue devils
yellow jackets
red devils
quaalude
valium
diazepam

Question 26

narcotics

Answer 26

codeine
demerol
heroin
smack
dolly
opium

Question 27

mind altering drugs

Answer 27

LSD (acid)
peyote
PCP (angel dust)
Psilocybin  (magic mushrooms)
STP
Non hallucinogenic 
marijuana THC

Question 28

volatile chemicals

Answer 28

amyl nitrate
butyl nitrate
cleaning fluid
furniture polish
gasoline
glue
hair spray
nail polish remover
paint thinner
correction fluids

Question 29

signs of uppers

Answer 29

excitment
increased pulse, breathing
rapid speech
dy mouth
dilated pupils
sweating
no streches of sleepless nights
(speed run)

Question 30

signs of downers

Answer 30

sluggish, sleepy, lacking typical coordination. low vitals

Question 31

signs of narcotics

Answer 31

reduced vitals
lower skin temp
pupils are constricted
muscles are relaxed
sweating profusely 
sleepy

Question 32

hallucinogen

Answer 32

see things
hear things
not aware of true environment
communication makes no sense 
may become aggressive or timid

Question 33

volatile chemicals

Answer 33

loss of contact with reality
may develop a coma
lining of nose and mouth show swollen membrane
complain of a funny tingling inside head
changes in heart rhythm can occur, which can lead to death.