Toxicology Flashcards
Adult poisonings can be
accidental or intentional
Addiction
physical or psychological need to continue misusing a drug or toxin
Tolerance
the need to take increasing amounts of the drug or toxin to achieve the desired effects
4 Routs of Exposure
ingestion
inhalation
injection
absorption
Most common route of exposure
ingestion
Accidental overdose is predominately common in
pediatric
geriatric
Common accidental overdose medications
cardiac medications
psychiatric medications
acetaminophen
Signs and Symptoms of Ingested Toxins
burning to the mouth/airway
stomach pain
altered LOC
altered vital signs
Intentional overdoses by adults often involve
more than one substance
Sedatives, narcotics, and barbiturates can cause
altered LOC and respiratory depression
Specific interventions for ingested toxins
activated charcoal
Examples of inhaled poisons
chemicals
pesticides
carbon monoxide
natural gas
Signs and symptoms of inhaled poisons
dyspnea coughing dizziness headache abnormal lung sounds
Specific Interventions for inhaled toxins
high flow oxygen
monitor lung sounds
Effects of injected toxins can be difficult to
diminish
dilute
inhibit
Commonly injected toxins include
morphine
heroin
cocaine
amphetamines
Signs and Symptoms of injected substances
mood elevation
restlessness
tachycardia
seizures, heart attack, stroke, death
pinpoint pupils is a sign of
injected narcotics
Examples of absorbed poisons
pesticides
acids/alkalis
petroleum based products
Signs and symptoms of absorbed toxins
skin burns
rash/blisters
itching/burning
Specific Interventions for absorbed toxins
decontaminate
irrigate skin or eyes with water for 20mins
What should you do with a patient who has an altered or decreased LOC
administer oxygen and check BGL
Most long term alcoholics will develop
hepititis
Alcohol withdrawal can cause
restless irritable agitated hallucinations tremors seizures
