Exam 2 - Toxicology Flashcards
Most frequent exposures? (Hint: 8)
Analgesics, cosmetics, cleaning substances, sedative/hypnotic/antipsychs, foreign body/toys, antidepressants, cardiovascular drugs, topical preparations
Most fatal exposures? (Hint: 9)
Sedative/hypnotic/antipsychotic CV drugs Opioids Antidepressants APAP combinations APAP alone Stimulants/street drugs Alcohol Anticonvulsants
Important questions to ask for exposure history?
What time, what quantity, what strength, if sustained release, and chronic use? Co-ingestion? Intentional vs accidental? Past medical and psych history? Any symptoms?
What vital signs to check?
HR, RR, BP, temp
What to check in neuro exam?
Mental status Seizures Pupils Muscle tone Reflexes Ankle clonus
What two things to look at in HEENT exam?
Salivation
Lacrimation
What two things to look at in lung exam?
Wheezes
Rales
What to listen for in abdominal sounds?
Bowel sounds present or not.
Absent=peripheral anticholinergic
What to check on skin?
Flushed vs pale
Sweaty vs dry
Cool vs warm
Track marks
What two things to look at in GU exam?
Incontinence
Urinary retention
What are the 7 routine labs to order with toxic exposure?
- Chemistries
- CBC
- Serum tox
- Urine tox
- Salicylates
- Acetaminophen
- EtOH
CCSUSAE
What are some other labs to order for toxic exposures?
ABG Lactate Serum osmolarity LFT Coags Specific drug concentrations Co-oximetries
What types of changes on EKGs in toxic exposure?
Arrythmias Blocks QRS interval QTc interval Terminal R in aVR (tall and wide R, d/t Na+ block) ST changes
What are the two types of Interval Prolongation? Their causes?
- Depolarization abnormality QRS prolongation=TCA-like Na+ channel blockade
- Repolarization abnormality (prolonged JT interval/QTc)=blockade of inward-rectifying K+ (HERG) current
Drugs that cause Na+ blockade will appear as what on EKG? What type of abnormality?
QRS prolongation causing a Terminal R-wave in aVR.
DT: TCA, Type 1A and 1C, Benadryl, Cocaine, etc
Depolarization abnormality.
Drugs that cause blockade of K+ inward rectifying HERG current appear as what on EKG? What type of abnormality?
QT prolongation. Prolonged JT interval (QTc).
Repolarization abnormality.
What are the two types of interval prolongations and abnormalities?
- QRS prolongation causing depolarization abnormality
2. QRc/Prolonged JT prolongation causing depolarization abnormality
TCA, Type 1A and 1C antiarrythmics, Benadryl, and Cocaine can cause what on EKG? How treated?
Na+ channel blockade resulting in QRS prolongation due to depolarization abnormality.
Tx=Bicarb
Antipsychotics, Type 1A and III antiarrythmics, Cisapride, Terfanrine, and Methadone can cause what on EKG?
K+ (herg) inward current blockade QRc/Prolonged JT prolongation causing depolarization abnormality and Torsades. Tx=Mg2+.
What are the 4 steps in treatment of a poisoned patient?
- ABCs, including “Tox ACLS”
- Antidote
- Decontamination/Decrease Absorption
- Increase Elimination
What is the mainstay of care for a poisoned patient?
Supportive care. Part of ABCs.
ABCs for a poisoned patient include what sorts of things?
Supportive care (mainstay). Airway and oxygenation. BP support/control. Blood glucose levels Temperature control "Tox ACLS"
What is the treatment of Torsades?
Mg2+
Tx for Coctaine VT?
Lidocaine and bicarb
Tx for wide-complex tach with Term-R in aVR?
Bicarb, Lidocaine
Tx for Hydrocarbon VT?
Beta-blockers like Esmolol. DO NOT GIVE EPI!
What would NEVER be given with Hydrocarbon VT?
Epi
Huffing is inhalation of what?
Hydrocarbons
Tx for Propoxyphene VT?
Narcan (Naloxone)