OD/Substance Abuse

Question 1

What is Excited Delirium?

Answer 1

bizarre, aggressive behaviour, shouting, paranoia, panic, violence, insensitivity to violence, unexpected strength, hyperthermia

Question 2

Types of drugs!

Answer 2

Narcotics
Hallucinogens
Non hallucinogens
Volatile Chemical
uppers
downers
opioids

Question 3

What are the signs and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal?

Answer 3

-anxiety or nervousness
-depression
-irritability
-fatigue
-mood swings
-brain fog
-nightmares
-dilated pupils
-sweating
-headaches
-difficulty sleeping
-shakiness
-nausea and vomiting
-appetite loss
-faster heart rate
-pale skin
-tremor
-fever
-aggression
-seizures
-confusion
-hallucinations
-high bp

Question 4

What are the signs and symptoms of alcohol poisoning

Answer 4

-vomiting
-seizure
-confusion
-slow breathing
-irregular breathing
-blue tinged or pale skin
-low body temp
-unconscious

Question 5

What is delirium tremens

Answer 5

a severe reaction that can be part of alcohol withdrawal
-sweating trembling anxiety hallucinations

Question 6

What is detergent suicide?

Answer 6

-a mixture to make hydrogen sulfide
-takes place of oxygen on cells and binds to iron

Question 7

What are the 3 stages of detergent suicide?

Answer 7

Mild Exposure - coughing, eye irritation, sore throat

Severe Exposure - dizziness, nausea or vomiting, shortness of breath, headache

Completed - pulmonary edema

Question 8

What are the signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse?

Answer 8

-odour of ETOH
-swaying or unsteady
-slurred speech
-flushed skin
-nausea or vomiting
-poor coordination
-slowed reaction time
-blurred vision
-confusion
-hallucinations
-lack of memory
-altered mental status

Question 9

What are the proper steps of care for substance abuse?

Answer 9

1. primary assessment -BLS if required
2. monitor airway and breathing, provide o2 and ventilations if necessary
3. if patient fits description, administer naloxone
4. treat for shock
5. talk continuously to patient
6. physical exam - assess head carefully
7. look for track marks
8. protect patient from self and others
9. transport and notify the hospital
10. vitals and reassessment- constant reassurance

Question 10

What is the care for alcohol abuse?

Answer 10

1. watch airway and respiratory for any rapid changes - have suction ready
2. assess for any trauma
3. be alert for any changes in mental status, talk to keep them alert
4. monitor vital signs
5. treat for shock
6. protect patient from self and other ( RCMP)
7. Stay alert for seizures
8. transport.