Toxicology Flashcards
What is toxicology?
Subtopic that covers their
- detection
- effects
- properties
- regulation
What does it mean that poisoning is situational, and quantitative in nature?
Any substance can be harmless or toxic depending on when given, and the dose
What are the two factors that determines if a drug is poisonous?
Dose
Duration of exposure
What are the two reasons to study toxicology?
Protect humans from toxicants
Improve toxicants (abx, pesticides)
What are the common poisons in children less than 5 yo?
Plants
Cosmetics
Salicylates
Acetaminophen
What are the common poisons in adults?
Barbs CO Salicylates Narcs Insecticides
What is the LD 50?
Dose at which 50% of the animals tested die
Legally, a poison is defined at what LD 50?
Less than 50 mg/kg
What is the Therapeutic index? A larger number indicates what?
LD50 / ED50
Larger = safer
What is the average lethal dose calculated from?
Estimated from accidental deaths in humans
What is the primary determinant of toxicity?
Dose
What are the three rapid measures that need to be considered with an overdose/poisoning?
Airway
Breathing
Circulation
After ABCs are accounted for, what is the next step in an overdose?
Reduce/remove the drug
What is the drug used for acute overdose?
Naloxone
What are the two things to consider with an unconscious patient?
Glucose/insulin
Naloxone
What is the major issue with trying to identify a poison?
Time
What are toxidromes?
Comparison of drug or chemical responses of the patient with known toxicology standards
What are the two major urine tests?
EMIT
ELISA
TLC
What are the two emesis inducers that can be used?
Apomorphine
Syrup of Ipecac
What are the two major contraindications for emesis inducers?
Petroleum hydrocarbon solvents d/t chemical pneumonitis
Caustic acid or alkali agent (rupture)