Poison Flashcards
What substances are poisonous?
Any substance can be poisonous if enough is taken
What is a poison?
Any substance that is harmful to the body when ingested, inhaled, injected, or absorbed through the skin
Intentional poisoning
Result of a person taking or giving a substance with the intention of causing harm
Unintentional poisoning
Not intended to harm
Ex: use of drugs or chemicals for recreational purposes in excess amounts or when taken by a toddler
What is the equation to figure out the volume of a swallow?
0.21 mL per Kg of body weight
What are poisonings in the elderly due to?
Poor eye sight
Confusion
Immobility
Polypharmacy
Sources of poisoning
Common substances in the home Medical Food poisoning (contaminated) Alcohol and med (overdose) Insect (spiders) Reptile (snakes) Jelly fish
PN’s role in suspected poisoning
You should instruct client to..?
Stay calm
Do not follow the poisoning advice on product label
Call PCC for instructions before giving pt. anything to eat/drink
Take product with you to the ER
Never give any meds prior to contacting the PCC
What does the LPN needs to know when calling PCC?
Age & weight of victim
Substance ingested and how much
When ingested
Other drugs in board
What to do in case of oral poisoning
Rinse mouth with water
Call PCC
Do no use home remedies to try to neutralize or induce vomiting
What to do in case of ocular poisoning
Rinse eye with room temp tap water for 15 minutes
Hold eye open during irrigation
Call PCC ASAP after exposure
What to do incase of inhalation poisoning
Immediately move person to fresh air Ventilate area ASAP Open windows or direct fans towards door Protect self Call PCC and 911
What to do in case of dermal poisoning
Wash area with soap and water
Call PCC
Dermal poisoning
Rapid absorption
Most commonly from poison ivy or oak
S&S of dermal poisoning
Burning, skin irritation, allergic reactions, N/V/D Flushed skin Dilated pupils CV abnormalities CNS and respiratory impairments
Chlorine gas
What is it and exposure to it?
Poisonous green-yellow gas described as having a choking odor
Immediately or shortly after exposure to small amounts of it, a person may have chest pain, vomiting, dyspnea, and excess fluid in lungs
How long till exposure in the air of chlorine gas causes death?
30 minutes
Chemical warfare
Sarin gas
A volatile nerve gas that is odorless, tasteless, and diffuses rapidly into skin
Chemical warfare
Mustard gas causes what?
Causes skin to become blistered and eyes become sore and victims begins to vomit
Causes internal and external bleeding and attack of the bronchial tunes, stripping off the mucous membrane
What are some NI’s of chemical warfare and dermal exposure?
Immediately remove any contaminate clothing and rinse with water
Wash same area with soap and water
Call PCC
Protect self
Do not use other meds, ointments, solutions, or products on the affected area
S&S of medication poisoning
Loss of orientation Hallucinations Changed LOC Coma Slurred speech Extreme mood swings
NI’s of medication poisoning
Maintain airway Monitor VS and LOC Obtain info about substance injected Loosen clothing If unconscious, turn on side Do not attempt to rouse client if drowsy and has muscle twitching Apply cool compress if febrile Protect self Induce vomiting- only with order Say with client
Alcohol Poisoning
Commonly abused
CNS depressant
Mild intoxication
Severe intoxication
Brown recluse spiders
Reside in Florida
Usually only bite with trapped next to victims skin
Bites occur when sleepers roll into spider or put on clothes into which spider has crawled
Bites occur under clothing, on thighs, upper arms, lateral torso, or neck
Sometimes known to give dry bites
