Chapter 21 Poisons Flashcards
4 types of poison
- ingested poisons
- inhaled poisons
- absorbed poisons
- injected poisons
if substance was ingested, certain info is needed
- 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?
contraindications of activated charcoal
- 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
activated charcoal (ingested poison)
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
syrup of ipecae (ingested poison)
a traditional treatment for poisoning
- causes vomiting in most people
- vomiting removes less than 1/3 of stomach contents
- rarely used today
dilution (ingested poison)
sometimes these patients will required assisted ventilations. do not make direct contact with patients skin due to possible drug contamination.
antidotes (ingested poison)
naloxone
but there are many poisons that have no antidote
naloxone
used on narcotic overdoses, reversing the effects.
dosage: .04-2.0mg
side effect: may start patient withdrawal
acetaminophen overdose
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
carbon monoxide poisoning
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
detergent suicide
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
absorbed poisons
frequently irritate or damage skin
SDS
safety data sheet
removal of absorbed poison from body
irrigate with large amounts of clean water.
liquid poison
wash and flush for 20 min
powders
brush off of the patient
eyes with poison
wash for 20 min
DT
delirium temens
a severe reaction that can be a part of alcohol withdrawals -sweating -trembling -anxiety -hallucinations can lead to death if left untreated.
patient under the influence of alcohol
cannot make an informed refusal of treatment/transport. (implied consent)
uppers
stimulants such as amphetamines that affect the central nervous system to excite the user.
downer
depressants such as barbiturates. that depress the central nervous system which is often used to bring on a more relaxed state of mind
narcotics
dugs that effect nervous system, when prescribed work as pain relief. when abused this drug produces an intense state of relaxation.
volatile chemicals
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
uppers
-amphetamine
-coke
-crack
desoxyn (black beauty)
dexies
speed
crank
meth
ritalin
predulin
downers
dolls blue devils yellow jackets red devils quaalude valium diazepam
narcotics
codeine demerol heroin smack dolly opium
mind altering drugs
LSD (acid) peyote PCP (angel dust) Psilocybin (magic mushrooms) STP Non hallucinogenic marijuana THC
volatile chemicals
amyl nitrate butyl nitrate cleaning fluid furniture polish gasoline glue hair spray nail polish remover paint thinner correction fluids
signs of uppers
excitment increased pulse, breathing rapid speech dy mouth dilated pupils sweating no streches of sleepless nights (speed run)
signs of downers
sluggish, sleepy, lacking typical coordination. low vitals
signs of narcotics
reduced vitals lower skin temp pupils are constricted muscles are relaxed sweating profusely sleepy
hallucinogen
see things hear things not aware of true environment communication makes no sense may become aggressive or timid
volatile chemicals
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.
