Toxicology: Signs and Symptoms

Question 1

Cyanide Signs and Symptoms

Answer 1

Acts as a cellular asphyxiant- inhibiting an enzyme vital to cellular use of oxygen.
Burning sensation in her mouth and throat
Headache, confusion, combative behavior
Hypertension and tachycardia followed by hypotension and further dysrhythmias
Seizures and coma
Pulmonary edema
Treatment: Amyl nitrite ampules, sodium nitrite, and sodium thiosulfate solution

Question 2

Carbon Monoxide Signs and Symptoms

Answer 2

Headache
Nausea, vomiting
Confusion, altered LOC
Tachypnea
Treatment: High flow, high concentration oxygen

Question 3

Cardiac Medications Signs and Symptoms

Answer 3

Nausea, Vomiting
Headache, dizziness, confusion
Profound hypotension
Cardiac dysrhythmia (usually bradycardia)
Heart conduction blocks
Bronchospasm and pulmonary edema (especially bet-blockers)
Treatment: Possibly External Paceing, calcium for calcium channel blocker, glucagon for bet-blockers, and digoxin-specific Fab for digoxin

Question 4

Caustic Substances Signs and Symptoms

Answer 4

Facial Burns
Pain in the lips, tongue, throat, or gums
Drooling, trouble swallowing
Hoarseness, stridor,or shortness of breath
Shock from bleeding, vomiting
Treatment: Pay particular attention to extablishing an airway
No charcoal
Rapid transport

Question 5

Hydrofluoric Acid Signs and Symptoms

Answer 5

Burning at site of contact
Trouble breathing
Confusion
Palpitations
Muscle Cramps
Treatment: Supportive measures
Remove contaminated clothing
Irrigate Area
Immerse in iced water with magnesium sulfate, calcium salts, or benzothonium chloride

Question 6

Hydrocarbons Signs and Symptoms

Answer 6

Burns
Wheezing, dyspnea, hypoxia, and pneumonitis from aspiration/inhalation
Headache, dizziness, slurred speech, ataxia, and obtundation
Foot and wrist drop with numbness and tingling
Cardiac dysrhythmias.
Treatment: No charcoal, no gastric lavage

Question 7

Tricyclic Antidepressant Signs and Symptoms

Answer 7

Dry mouth
Blurred vision
Urinary retention
Constipation
Late signs:
Confusion, hallucinations
Hyperthermia
Resp. Depression
Seizures
Tachycardia and hypotension
Cardiac dysrhythmias
Treatment: If Benzo overdose, DO NOT USE Flumazenil since it may precipitate seizures!
Sodium Bicarbonate in addition to therapy.

Question 8

MAO Inhibitors Signs and Symptoms

Answer 8

Headache, agitation, restlessness, tremors
Nausea
Palpitations
Tachycardia
Sever hypertension
Hyperthermia
Eventually bradycardia, hypotension, coma, and death
Treatment: Symptomatic Support
If vasopressors needed, use norepinephrine.