Chapter 22: Toxicologic Emergencies

Question 1

EMTs primary concern in managing drug and alcohol emergencies

Answer 1

• protect your own safety
• maintain an open airway
• treat for life-threatening conditions
• offer calm, nonjudgmental assistance

Question 2

poison

Answer 2

any substance that impairs health or causes death by its chemical action when it enters the body or contacts the skin

Question 3

toxicology

Answer 3

the study of toxins, antidotes, and the effects of toxins on the body

Question 4

toxin

Answer 4

a drug or substance that is poisonous to a human and causes certain adverse effects that can potentially lead to death

Question 5

overdose

Answer 5

commonly used to describe a poisoning in which the patient has been exposed to an excessive dose of a drug

Question 6

substance abuse

Answer 6

the inappropriate use of a substance or medication

Question 7

four routes by which a poison can enter the body

Answer 7

• ingestion
• inhalation
• injection
• absorption

Question 8

ingestion

Answer 8

the most common route of poisoning, absorption occurs through gastrointestinal tract

Question 9

inhalation

Answer 9

enables rapid absorption into body via the alveolar-capillary membrane and into bloodstream

Question 10

injection

Answer 10

can be into skin, muscle, or blood vessel. can result in an immediate local reaction

Question 11

absorption

Answer 11

contact with skin or mucous membranes

Question 12

managing the poison patient

Answer 12

patent airway, breathing management, PPV, adequate oxygenation, assess circulation, reassess

Question 13

antidote

Answer 13

substance that neutralizes the effects of the poison or toxic substance

Question 14

ingested poison

Answer 14

poison that is swallowed and enters the gastrointestinal system

Question 15

most common poisons ingested by children

Answer 15

plants, cleaning products under sink, automotive supplies, medications, toiletries

Question 16

emergency medical care for ingested poison

Answer 16

• ensure scene safety
• maintain airway
• provide ventilation if needed
• maintain oxygenation
• prevent further injury
• consult medical direction during transport
• bring suspected poisons to the receiving facility

Question 17

activated charcoal

Answer 17

medication occasionally used in emergency medical care of ingested poisonings, adsorbs the contaminants, can contain laxative to help speed things through the intestinal tract

Question 18

inhaled poison

Answer 18

inhaled poisonous vapors/fumes, body absorbs it rapidly

Question 19

huffers

Answer 19

patients who inhale paints and propellants to intentionally “get high”