TOX 1- Mechanisms of death due to poisoning, initial management of the poisoned patients

Question 1

General Management of Poisoned Patient

Answer 1

• All poisoned patients should be managed as if they have a potentially life-threatening intoxication even if they appear normal and “well”
• Initial approach should be essentially similar in every case irrespective of toxin ingested

Question 2

Diagnostic approach

Answer 2

●Clinical signs - Toxidromes

● Electrocardiogram

● Laboratory analysis

Question 3

Management of the poisoned patient

Answer 3

I. Emergency care (initial assessment & stabilization, recognition of poisoning, identification of agents involved, assessment of severity)

I. Decontamination

II. Antidotes

III. Enhancing elimination of toxins

Question 4

Critical care

Answer 4

A Airway protection

B Oxygenation/ventilation

C Treatment of arrhythmias

D Hemodynamic support

E Treatment of seizures

F Correction of temperature, abnormalities metabolic derangements