Poisoning from gases

Question 1

treatment for suspected poisoning

Answer 1

• Ensure scene safety.
• Measure the blood glucose concentration if the patient has diabetes or an altered level of consciousness, and treat accordingly.
• Assess for symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
• Measure the carboxy-haemoglobin level if suitable equipment is available.
• Administer oxygen via a reservoir mask at 10 litres/minute if:
  a) CO poisoning is suspected and the patient is symptomatic, or
  b) The carboxy-haemoglobin level is greater than 10%.
• Administer nebulised bronchodilators if clinical signs of bronchospasm are prominent.

Question 2

CO poisoning usually causes

Answer 2

headache, nausea, vomiting, chest tightness, shortness of breath, tachycardia, confusion, falling level of consciousness, dysrhythmias and cardiac arrest. Although some references describe the patient developing a cherry red skin colour, this is rarely seen.

Question 3

Exposure to solvents and/or fumes commonly causes a combination of the following:

Answer 3

: headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, shortness of breath and irritation of the eyes, nose, mouth or throat.

Question 4

When chlorine comes into contact with mucous membranes what happens

Answer 4

hydrochloric acid is formed resulting in local irritation/inflammation.

Question 5

pt. with chlorine gas poisoning Patients commonly experience

Answer 5

burning sensation in the eyes, nose, mouth or throat, coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and nausea. If the exposure is severe the patient may develop signs of pulmonary oedema.

Question 6

treatment in chlorine gas poisoning

Answer 6

Mucous membranes should be liberally flushed using water, for example from a shower.