Poisoning & Overdose - Toxicology Emergency Flashcards
1
Q
Primary Survey
A
- Confirm that there are no D-Spine precautions
- Assess lvl of consciousness (AVPU scale)
- Assess and manage ABC’s as required
1. Assist inadequate respirations
2. Ventilate the apneic patient
3. Maintain airways patency (manual and adjunct) - Complete RBS - visualize, palpate, and Auscultate where appropriate
1. Assess pupil size and reactivity
2. Inspect for injection marks, or any drug paraphernalia - Apply O2 (standard face mask, non-rebreather, or BVM as indicated)
- Consider the patient position based on respiratory intervention
2
Q
Decision Point
A
Findings in unstable PT may include:
- Signs or symptoms of narcotic overdose with decreased LOC
- Difficulty maintaining PT airway
- Respiratory depression
3
Q
Load and Transport
A
The narcotic overdose protocol outlines when to initiate transport
4
Q
Critical History
A
- Type(s) of drug taken
- Amt of drug taken
- Route taken
- How long ago
- Previous use of drug (more or less than PT usually takes)
- Note any previous reaction to use of the drug
- Note the use of medication (prescribed, over the counter, or street drugs)
- Note any changes in medication or incompliance
5
Q
Patient History
A
SAMPLE/OPQRRRST
6
Q
Vital Signs
A
- Complete baseline set prior to administering naloxone
- Assess blood glucose lvls
- Assess pupil size & reactivity
- Complete vitals q5 for unstable PT
- Complete vitals q15 for stable PT
7
Q
Hospital Notification and Head to Toe/Functional Inquiry
A
Completed enroute to hospital
8
Q
Protocol(s)
A
Suspected Narcotics Overdose Protocol (if indicated)
9
Q
Treatment
A
- Refer to protocol guidelines for guiding principles and other considerations
- Refer to Drug Monograph(s) for indications, contraindications, and dosages of medications
