Lecture 2 Flashcards
Do you need to identify the toxin before treatment
No. Can be helpful but not necessary
What steps should you be taking to stabilize the patient
Repiration control CNS activity Control cardiovascular function Stabilize Obtain complete history
How can you maintain respiration
Intubate, ventilate, prevent aspiration of vomit
How can you control CNS activity
Diazepam, phenobarbital, methocarbamol for seizures
Analeptics or doxapram for depression
How can you control CV function
Lidocaine or propanolol for tachycardias and arrhythmias
Nitroprusside or hydralazine for hypertension
Fluid therapy
How can you stabilize the patient
Correct hyper- or hypothermia
Obtain blood and put in catheter
What are the four major themes in obtaining a history
Past health
Current health
Environment
Diet
What are the two most common decontamination methods
Emesis and activated charcoal
What does emesis prevent
Toxicant absorption
When would you induce emesis
If toxic dose is ingested, no vomiting has occurred yet, and activated charcoal is not an option
Is there any evidence that emesis improves outcome
No
What does activated charcoal do
Prevent toxicant absorption
When should you give activated charcoal
Substance is known/thought to be adsorbed by it
Ingestion was very recent
Animal can tolerate it
No immediate need to administer oral medications (have to wait for oral meds after giving activated charcoal)
What substances should you not use activated charcoal for
Acids, alkalis, alcohols/glycols, metals, oils, petroleum distillates, detergents
What should you use for corrosives, strong acids, or bases
Dilution with milk, water, or eggs instead of activated charcoal
