Poison Flashcards
What age group is most commonly affected by pediatric poison exposures?
Children 1 to 5 years old.
Where do most pediatric poisonings occur?
Within the home.
Name three newer poison hazards.
- Magnetic foreign bodies
- Laundry detergent pods
- Button batteries
What is the role of the Poison Control Center?
Crucial in the management and treatment of poison exposures.
What are the ABCs in emergency care for poisoning?
- Airway
- Breathing
- Circulation
Salicylate poisoning symptoms include?
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Dehydration
- Hyperpyrexia (high fever)
- Bleeding
- Tinnitus
- Metabolic acidosis
- Coma
Treatment for salicylate poisoning?
- Induce vomiting
- Sodium bicarbonate
- Fluids
- Vitamin K
Key treatment step for acetaminophen overdose?
Draw drug level and administer N-acetylcysteine (antidote).
Iron overdose symptoms?
- Vomiting
- Bloody stool
- Hypotension
- Metabolic acidosis
- Coma
Treatment for iron poisoning?
- Activated charcoal
- IV fluids
- Sodium bicarbonate
- Deferoxamine
What does the SLUDGE acronym stand for in cholinergic poisoning?
- Salivation
- Lacrimation
- Urination
- Diarrhea
- GI distress
- Emesis
Treatment for cholinergic agent poisoning?
Anticholinergics, typically atropine.
What is the mnemonic for anticholinergic toxicity symptoms?
Blind as a bat, mad as a hatter, red as a beet, hot as hell, dry as a bone.
Treatment for anticholinergic poisoning?
Supportive care, physostigmine salicylate if severe symptoms (tachydysrhythmias, intractable seizures, or severe agitation)
Common objects ingested by children?
- Coins
- Pins
- Toys
- Batteries
- Magnets
Why are button batteries dangerous when ingested?
They release corrosive chemicals and can cause tissue necrosis.
What can magnets do when ingested?
Attract across bowel walls, causing necrosis and perforation.
Signs of foreign body ingestion?
- Drooling
- Dysphagia
- Coughing
- Wheezing
Primary source of lead exposure in children?
- Lead-based paint
- Dust
- Soil
- Water
Effects of lead poisoning in children?
- Decreased IQ
- Impaired hearing
- Delayed growth
Key diagnostic tools for lead poisoning?
- Blood Lead Level (BLL)
- Urinalysis
- Radiographs
Treatment for high levels of lead exposure?
- Removal from source
- Chelation therapy (e.g., CaNa2 EDTA, BAL, Succimer) (Injection or oral meds that bind to heavy metals and excrete)
