Toxins Flashcards
Define Poison
Substances that cause harm when sufficient quantities are ingested, absorbed or inhaled (ex. asprin)
Define Toxin
A poisonous substance produced within living cells or organism (rattlesnake venom)
Define Toxicology
the “science of poisons”
Define Supportive Care
Treat the problems as they arise
Define Antidote
Stops or controls the effects of the poison or toxin
What are the 3 areas to focus on in your physical assessment when you suspect a toxin is involved
Airway/respiratory
- LOA - airway compromise?
- Respiratory depression or tachypnea
Cardiovascular
- cardiac dysrhythmias
- hypo or hypertension
Central Nervous System
- depressed LOC
- agitation
- seizure
Define Toxidrome
collection of signs and symptoms that are indicative of poisoning due to a certain class of poison
S and S of Opiate/Sedative/Hypnotics
(Slow + Sleepy)
Decreases the CNS and can also see decrease in
- rr
- bp
- hr
S and S of Sympathomimetics
(Fast and Scary)
Increases the CNS and can also see increase in
- HR
- BP
- +/- RR
What is the rhyme that can help paramedics remember the symptoms of anticholinergic drugs?
Hot as a hare
Red as a beet
Dry as a bone
Blind as a bat
Mad as a hatter,
the bowel and the bladder lose their tone and the heart goes on alone
What are S and S of anticholinergics?
Increase in
- HR
- BP
Dry/flushed
Mydriasis (dilated pupils)
Some decrease in LOC
What is the acronym to think of for the S and S of pts who have been exposed to Cholinergics Organophosphates?
S - Salivation
L - Lacrimation
U - Urination
D - Defecation
G - GI upset
E - Emesis
What are the 3 Killer Bs in refernece to Cholinergics Organophosphate?
- Bronchoconstriction
- Bronchospasm
- Bradycardia
What are the 2 ways that toxic gase asphyxiate?
- They displace O2
- Molecular change that doesnt allow us to use O2
What is so dangerous about Ethylene Glycol espiecally for kids?
It has a sweet tast
What is the lethal dose of Ethylene Glycol?
2ml/kg
What can ethylene gycol poisoning sometimes be mistaken for?
Alcohol poisoning (Similar symptoms)
What substance may alcoholics drink as an intoxicant other than alcohol?
Methanol
Common uses for methanol
- gas line antifreeeze
- Windshield washer fluid
- paints
- paint removres
- varnishes
- canned fuels
- shellacs
Lethal dose of methanol
30ml (2tbsp)
Signs and Symptoms of methanol ingestion
- CNS depression
- GI irritation
- Visual complaints
- metabolic acidosis
Define Delirium Tremens
life threatening manifestation of alcohol withdrawl (most severe on spectrum of alcohol withdrawl)
What are some S and S of delirium tremens
- gross tremor
- frightening hallucinations and profound confusion
- Hyperadrenergic state characterized by fever, hypertension and tachycardia
Define Wernickes Encephalopathy
acute neurologic phenomenon due to prolonged EOTH use which causes Thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficeny
What is the triad of symptoms you would see form someone who is suffering from Wernickes Encephalopathy
- Opthalmoplegia - paralysis of extra-ocular muscles
- Ataxia/Nystagmus/motor co-ordination issues
- Confusion
What type of drug is cocaine?
Sympathomimetic
What are some cardiac issues that would result from cocaine use?
Increase risk of MI
- Coronary vasospasm
- Cardiac demand
- Early atherosclerosis
What are some other life threats that may occur from cocaine use? (BP related)
- Aortic disection
- Stroke
- Placenta abruption
What type of drug is crystal meth?
Sympathomimetic
What are some S and S of crystal meth use?
- hallucinations
- Trauma
- Excited Delirium
