NCAD CE - Household Poisonings Flashcards
T/F: The calcium oxalate crystal contained within the Deffenbachia plant is poisonous.
False. The crystal itself causes microlacerations to the soft-tissue of the oropharynx and laryngopharynx. That is why the patient exhibits swelling, difficulty speaking, numbness, and drooling.
What are the main S/S of aloe vera ingestion?
A. Coma
B. Seizure
C. N/V/D
D. Hypoglycemia
C. N/V/D
The toxin contained within poinsettia plants is ______.
A. latex
B. cyanide
C. calcium oxalate
D. sodium hypochlorite
A. latex
Pt’s with a latex allergy may present with S/S of allergy or anaphylaxis. Treat according to allergic reaction/anaphylaxis protocols.
A study in the Am. Journal of EM regarding 22,793 poinsettia ingestions recorded ____ fatalities.
zero
Explain the mechanism of action of the toxin of the foxglove plant.
It is digitalis, and blocks the normal cellular Na-K ATPase. This, in turn, prevents increase of the [Na+]o. In doing so, the Na+-Ca2+ exchange pump ceases to work, and Calcium remains high intracellularly, strengthening cardiac contractility.
Common S/S of foxglove toxicity
- N/V/D
- Heart block
- Bradycardia
- Tachycardia (compensatory mechanism)
- Deep STD (‘Dali’s mustache’) Hallmark of ECG
Nightshade (“Bella Donna”) contains what toxin?
A. digitalis
B. calcium oxalate crystals
C. cyanide
D. atropine
D. atropine
Atropine is a(n) _____ compound.
A. acetylcholinesterase inhibitor
B. anti-cholinergic
C. cardiac glycoside
D. electron transport chain inhibitor
B. anti-cholinergic
Explain the anticholinergic toxidrome mnemonic.
Hot as a hare: increased body temperature
Blind as a bat: mydriasis (dilated pupils)
Dry as a bone: dry mouth, dry eyes, decreased sweat
Red as a beet: flushed face
Mad as a hatter: delirium
Explain why anticholinergic toxicity prevents sweating.
Eccrine sweat glands are activated by ACh. Anticholinergic drugs such as atropine prevent their activation, thereby stopping a patient from sweating.