Intro To Clinical Toxicology

Question 1

Define clinical toxicology.

Answer 1

The prevention and treatment of diseases caused by chemicals.

Question 2

Define toxidrome.

Answer 2

A group of signs and symptoms that consistently result from particular toxins.

Question 3

Quick assessment of neurological status (AVPU):

Answer 3

Alert, awake; responds to Verbal stimuli; responds to Painful stimuli; Unresponsive.

Question 4

If decreased LOC, consider (SNOT):

Answer 4

Sugar (hypertonic glucose), Naloxone (competitive opioid antagonist), Oxygen (treat hypoxia), Thiamine (Wernicke’s encephalopathy).

Question 5

ABG with increased PCO2 = ?

Answer 5

Hypoventilation resp. acidosis.

Question 6

ABG with decreased PCO2 = ?

Answer 6

Hyperventilation resp. alkalosis.

Question 7

ABG with decreased HCO3 = ?

Answer 7

Metabolic acidosis.

Question 8

Decreased PO2/sat = ?

Answer 8

Hypoxia.

Question 9

Contraindication to orogastric lavage:

Answer 9

If airway not protected or ingestion of corrosive or hydrocarbon.

Question 10

Contraindication to activated charcoal:

Answer 10

Airway not protected or intestinal obstruction.

Question 11

Contraindication to whole bowel irrigation:

Answer 11

Bowel obstruction, perforation, ileus, and in patients with hemodynamic instability or compromised unprotected airways.

Question 12

Properties of drugs that can be dialyzed:

Answer 12

Water soluble, low Vd, low molecular weight, less protein bound.

Question 13

Normal Breathing Rate (bpm):

Answer 13

12-20 BPM or 16-24

Question 14

Normal BP:

Answer 14

120/80 mm Hg

Question 15

Normal Pulse:

Answer 15

60-100 beats/min