Toxicology Flashcards
What are some drug classes that may cause Mydriasis (dilated pupils)?
- Adrenergic agonists
- Anticholinergics
What are some drug classes that may cause Miosis (constricted pupils)?
Sympatholytics Cholinergics
What information is pertinent for history?
- Substance ingested
- Amount ingested
- Time since ingestion
- Symptoms
- Prior therapies
- Prior medical conditions
Would you prefer quantitative or qualitative labs for patients with possible toxic conditions? Why?
Quantitative; Want to assess poison concentration in tissues (useful for poisons with antidotes or need for dialysis)
What are some helpful labs to order for a patient with possible toxic conditions?
Chem 7 Arterial Blood Gases
What are NORMAL Arterial Blood Gases levels?
pH: 7.35-7.45 PO2 90-100 PCO2: 35-45 HCO3: 18-24
What are ABG levels for Metabolic Acidosis?
pH: BELOW NML PO2: NML PCO2: NML HCO3: BELOW NML
What are ABG levels for Respiratory Acidosis?
- pH: BELOW NML
- PO2: BELOW NML
- PCO2: ABOVE NML
- HCO3: NML
What are ABG levels for Metabolic Alkalosis?
- pH: ABOVE NML
- PO2: NML
- PCO2: NML
- HCO3: ABOVE NML
What are ABG levels for Respiratory Alkalosis?
pH: ABOVE NML
PO2: ABOVE NML
PCO2: BELOW NML
HCO3: NML
Why are qualitative labs important for patients with possible toxicity? What labs/imaging are involved?
Provide confirmation if toxin is present; Urinary Toxicology Screen, Radiograph (radioopaque compounds)
What are management strategies for patients with known toxins?
- Supportive Care
- Prevent Further Absorption
- Enhance Elimination
- Provide Antidote (if available)
What might supportive care entail for a patient with known toxin?
- ABC’s
- Monitor complications
- Assess and treat for shock
T or F: Patients with known toxin and altered mental status should be provided with supportive care.
F
What are characteristics of HYPOVOLEMIC shock? How should this condition be pharmacologically treated?
Loss of fluid, DEC CO due to DEC’d preload; Fluids, inotropes/vasopressors
What are characteristics of CARDIOGENIC shock? How should this condition be pharmacologically treated?
DEC’d CO due to DEC’d SV (typically due to DEC in myocardial contractility); Iron, calcium channel blocker, beta-blockers, cyclic anti-depressants
What are characteristics of DISTRIBUTIVE shock?
Redistribution of blood from central compartment to peripheral vasculature
What are considerations in prevention of further absorption?
- Route of Exposure (Inhalation, Dermal, Ocular, Ingestion)
- Benefits of gasterointestinal decontamination
What could be interventional in preventing further absorption of toxin from INHALATION?
- Fresh air
- Oxygen
What could be instrumental in preventing further absorption of toxin from DERMAL exposure?
- Irrigation with water
- Removal of contaminated clothing
What could be instrumental in preventing further absorption of toxin from OCULAR exposure?
- Eye irrigation
What could be interventional in preventing further absorption of toxin from INGESTION?
- Emetic
- Lavage
- Activated Charcoal
- Whole Bowel Irrigation
What is clinically benefical about GI decontamination?
Can REDUCE poison bioavailabilty, HOWEVER no improvement in morbidity or mortality (Likely patients with greatest risk will recieve most benefit)
What are general INDICATIONS for GI Decontamination?
- Substantial risk of serious toxicity
- Recent ingestion
- Can be performed safely and will work
- No alternative
What are general CONTRAINDICATIONS for GI Decontamination?
- Rapid onset of Seizures
- Rapid onset of CNS depression
- Alkaline corrosives (acids controversial)
- Loss of Gag reflex
T or F: Emesis has similiar general indication and contraindications as GI Decontamination.
T; Additional contraindications: ingested sharp objects, hemorrhagic DX
When is Emesis typically used?
Rural settings with >1 hour delay to Emergency Department
What medications are used for emesis?
Syrup of Ipecac