Poisoning Flashcards
1
Q
How many hours after ingestion is paracetamol fully absorbed?
A
4hrs post ingestion
2
Q
What is the initial management for a patient presenting over 12 hours after a paracetamol overdose?
A
As this is after 4hrs you should not wait for bloods to come back, start treatment with acetylcycstiene immediately if a large overdose is suspected
3
Q
What are the steps of hepatic breakdown of paracetamol?
A
cytochrome p450 system breaks paracetamol down to NAPQI
This then combines with glutathione and is excreted
When glutathione supplies supply is exhausted the NAPQI builds up causing toxicity
4
Q
What is the management for CO poisoning?
A
Give high flow oxygen through a non rebreathe mask
In severe cases patients require hyperbaric oxygen therapy
