Toxicologic Emergencies Flashcards
General principles of toxicologic assessment and management
- recognize poison promptly
- assess patient thoroughly to identify toxin and measures requires to control it
- initiate standard tx procedures
- protect rescuer safety
- remove patient from toxic environment
- support ABCs
- decontaminate pt
Initial assessment
- airway & respiratory
- identify toxin and length of exposure
- contact poison control and medical direction according to local policy
- complete appropriate PEs
Antidotes
Useful only if offending substance is definitively known
Not always effective
Most often used in conjunction w/ other therapies to ensure effectiveness of tx
Management of Ingested Toxins
Contact poison control/medical direction
Prevent aspiration
Administer fluids and rugs
Do NOT induce vomiting
PEs for ingested toxins
skin eyes mouth chest circulation abdomen
CNS effects of Inhaled toxins
dizziness H/A confusion seizure hallucinations coma
Respiratory effects of inhaled toxins
cough hoarseness stridor dyspnea retractions wheezing chest pain or tightness crackles rhonchi
Management of pt w/ inhaled toxins
Ensure personal safety Remove pt from environment remove pt's contaminated clothing initiate supportive measures contact poison control center
Ssxs of carbon monoxide poisoning
H/A
Nausea and vomiting
Confusion or other altered mental status
Tachypnea
Tx of CO poisoning
high-flow, high-concentration oxygen
If neded, hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Cyanide
Rapidly acting toxin
Usu ingested or inhaled and may be absorbed through ski
Ssxs of cyanide poisoning
a burning sensation in the mouth and throat H/A Confusion Combativeness Hypertension Tachycardia
