Key Terms Flashcards
Acid
a substance that liberates hydrogen ions (H+) when in solution
Activated Charcoal
a powder, usually premixed with water, that will absorb (bind) some poisons and help prevent them from being absorbed by the body.
Addiction
compulsive and overwhelming dependence on a drug; an addiction may be physiological dependence, a psychological dependence, or both.
Alkali
a substance that liberates hydroxyl ions (OH-) when in solution; a strong base.
Antidote
a substance that will neutralize a specific toxin or counteract it effect on the body.
Decontamination
the process of minimizing toxicity by reducing the amount of toxin absorbed into the body.
Delirium Tremens
disorder found I habitual and excessive users of alcoholic beverages after cessation of drinking for 48-72 hours. Patients experience visual, tactile, and auditory disturbances. Death my result in server cases.
Drug Overdose
poisoning from a pharmocological substance in excess of that usually prescribed or that the body can tolerate.
Enterotoxin
an exotoxin that produces gastrointestinal symptoms and diseases such as food poisoning.
Exotoxin
removing an ingested poison by repeatedly filling and emptying the stomach with water or saline via a gastric tube; also known as “pumping the stomach.”
Gastric Lavage
removing an ingested poison by repeatedly filling and emptying the stomach with water or saline via a gastric tube; also known as “pumping the stomach.”
Ingestions
entry of a substance into the body through the gastrointestinal tract
Inhalation
entry of a substance into the body through the respiratory tract.
Injection
entry of a substance into the body through a break in the skin.
Organophosphates
phosphorus-containing organic chemicals.
Substance Abuse
use of a pharmacological substance for purposes other than medically defined reasons.
Surface Absorption
entry of a substance into the body directly through the skin or mucous membrane.
Therapeutic Index
the maximum tolerated dose divided by the minimum curative dose of a drug; the range between curative and toxic dosages; also called therapeutic window.
Tolerance
the need to progressively increase the dose of a drug to reproduce the effect originally achieved by smaller doses.
Toxicology
study of the detection, chemistry, pharmacological actions, and antidotes of toxic substances.
Toxidrome
a toxic syndrome; a group of typical signs and symptoms consistently associated with exposure to a particular type of toxin.
Toxin
any chemical (drug, poison, or other) that causes adverse effects on an organism that is exposed to it.
Whole Bowel Irrigation
administration of polyethylene glycol continuously at 1-2 L/hr through a nasogastric tube until the effluent is clear or objects are recovered.
Withdrawal
referring to alcohol or drug withdrawal in which the patient’s body reacts severely when deprived of the abused substance.
