toxicology

Question 1

18 month ingested vape juice (30mins). no clinical features. state 3 details to perform a risk assessment?

Answer 1

• quantity and nicotine concentration (mg/ml) ingested.
• co-ingestion of other agents
• child’s weight

5mg/kg of nicotine is potentially fatal.

Question 2

List 4 different systems and 2 features that would suggest early toxicity in a child from ingestion of vape juice.

Answer 2

• cardiovascular: tachycardia, hypertension
• neurological: muscle fasciculations, agitation, seizures
• GI: nausea/vomitting
• resp: tachypnoea, SOB

Question 3

18 month ingested vape juice (30mins). list 3 systems and 2 features of each suggesting delayed toxicity.

Answer 3

• cardiovascular: hypotension, bradycardia
• respiratory: hypoventilation/apnoea, hypopnoea
• neurological: coma, seizure, muscle paralysis

Question 4

after ingestion of poisons in a child, what conditions must be satisfied for safe discharge of pt?

Answer 4

• non-accidental injury and neglect excluded!!!!!!!
• normal vital signs (HR, RR, BP, SpO2)
• normal observations and ECG
• safe discharge destination and able to return
• carer understands criteria for return to ED
• discharge during daylight hours