Chapter 22 - Poisoning and Drug Abuse Flashcards
What is defined as a substance that, when introduced to the body, produces a harmful effect on normal body structures of functions?
Poison
What type of effect is produced when a poison only affects the area in which it is applied, i.e. poison ivy reaction?
Local Effect
What type of effect is produced when a poison affects parts of the body that are remote to the site of application or point of introduction, i.e. allergic reaction?
Remote Effect
What is defined as the science of poisons, their actions, their detection, and the treatment of the conditions produced by them?
Toxicology
What is defined as the presence of signs or symptoms associated with exposure or contact with a substance?
Poisoning
What are the six steps in the initial and follow-on poison management?
- Stablization
- Evaluation
- Prevention or limitation of absorption
- Elimination enhancement
- Administration of specific antidotes
- Continuing care and disposition
The presence of a _____ ________ or _________ can help establish that a poison has been involved by suggesting the class of poison(s) to which tha patient may have been exposed.
Toxic syndrome or Toxidrome
A patient presents with “beady eyes,” sunglasses, decreased blood pressure, CNS and respiratory depression. What toxidrome does this set of symptoms suggest?
Narcotics
A patient presents with diarrhea, dilated pupils, goose bumps, increased heart rate, tearing, yawning, stomach cramps, and hallucinations. What toxidrome does this set of symptoms suggest?
Withdrawal
A patient presents with CNS excitation (confusion, in-coordination, agitation, hallucination, delirium, seizures), increased blood pressure and heart rate. What toxidrome does this set of symptoms suggest?
Sympathomimetic
A patient presents with dilated pupils, fever, dry skin, urinary retention, decreased bowel sounds, and increased heart rate. What toxidrome does this set of symptoms suggest?
Anticholinergic
A patient presents with “SLUDGE,” increased salivation, lacrimation, urination, defecation, GI cramping, emesis and muscle weakness. what toxidrome does this set of symptoms suggest?
Cholinergic
What is the most common route of exposure to toxic chemicals in the home?
Ingested
How would you dilute a non-corrosive poison ingested by a conscious victim?
Drink 1-2 glasses of water or milk
What is the preffered method for emptying the contents of the stomach?
Emetic
What is the most commonly used substance to which an HM will have access?
15-30 cc (adult) of Ipecac Syrup (Child = 15 cc)
What is the last resort for inducing vomiting?
Tickle the back of the victim’s throat with a finger or blunt object
If two doses of Ipecac syrup has failed to induce vomiting what method whould be used? This method is preffered when the victim is unconscious.
Gastric Lavage
What item is used to absorb substances in the stomach and prevents absorption into the body? Bowel movement is charcoal-black color.
Activated Charcoal
What may be used to “speed” the movement of the boud substance and minimize absorption?
Cathartic (magnesium sulfate or sorbitol)
What produces actual chemical burning and corrosion of the tissues of the lips, mouth, throat, and stomach?
Acids and Alkalis
What is the sound that may be heard from the upper airway after ingesting a corrosive substance?
Stridor
Never attempt to treat an acid or base ingestion by administering a neutralizing solution by mouth. Give water only, unless directed by whom?
Poison Control Center (PCC) or Medical Officer
If the HM is unable to reach the Poison Control Center (PCC) or a physician for specific instructions, how should the HM treat a victim who has ingested a Petroleum Distillates or Hydrocarbons product?
Give 1-2 ounces (30-60 ml) of vegetable oil
