Chapter 21 Poisoning and Overdosing Emergencies

Question 1

Key Terms

poisons that are taken into the body through unbroken skin

Answer 1

Absorbed Poisons

Question 2

Key Terms

a substance that absorbs many poisons and prevents them from being absorbed by the body

Answer 2

Activated Charcoal

Question 3

Key Terms

a substance that will neutralize the poison or its effects

Answer 3

Antidote

Question 4

Key Terms

a severe reaction that can be part of alcohol withdrawal, characterized by sweating, trembling, anxiety, and hallucinations. Severe withdrawal with the DTs can lead to death if untreated

Answer 4

Delirium Tremens (DTs)

Question 5

Key Terms

thinning down or weakening by mixing with something else. Ingested poisons are sometimes diluted by drinking water or milk

Answer 5

Dilution

Question 6

Key Term

depressants such as barbiturates, that depress the central nervous system, which are often used to bring on a more relaxed state of mind

Answer 6

Downers

Question 7

Key Terms

mind-affecting or mind-altering drugs that act on the central nervous system to produce excitement and distortion of perceptions

Answer 7

Hallucinations

Question 8

Key Terms

poisons that are swallowed

Answer 8

Ingested Poisons

Question 9

Key Terms

poisons that are breathed in

Answer 9

Inhaled Poisons

Question 10

Key Terms

poisons that are inserted through the skin, for example, by needle, snake fangs, or insect stinger

Answer 10

Injected Poisons

Question 11

Key Terms

a class of drugs that affect the nervous system and change many normal body activities. Their legal use is for the relief of pain. Illicit use is to produce an intense state of relaxation

Answer 11

Narcotics

Question 12

Key Terms

any substance that can harm the body by altering cell structure or functions

Answer 12

Poison

Question 13

Key Terms

a poisonous substance secreted by bacteria, plants, or animals

Answer 13

Toxin

Question 14

Key Terms

stimulants such as amphetamines that affect the central nervous system to excite the user

Answer 14

Uppers

Question 15

Key Terms

vaporizing chemicals, such cleaning fluid, that are breathed in by the abuser to produce a “high.”

Answer 15

Volatile Chemicals

Question 16

Key Terms

referring to alcohol or drug withdrawal in which the patient’s body reacts severely when deprived of the abused substance

Answer 16

Withdrawal

Question 17

Short Answer

Name four ways in which a poison can be taken into the body.

Answer 17

Poison can be ingested, inhaled, absorbed, and injected into the body.

Question 18

Short Answer

What is the sequence of assessment steps in cases of poisoning?

Answer 18

The sequence of assessment steps in cases of poisoning is: detect and treat immediately life-threatening problems in the primary assessment, perform a history and physical exam, assess baseline vital signs, consult medical direction, and transport the patient with all containers and labels from the substance. Reassess the patient en route.

Question 19

Short Answer

What information must you gather in a case of poisoning before contacting medical direction?

Answer 19

Gather the following information about a poisoning case before contacting medical direction:

• What substance was involved?
• When did the exposure occur?
• How much was ingested?
• Over how long a period did the ingestion occur?
• What interventions have the patient, family, or well meaning bystanders taken?
• What effects is the patient experiencing from the ingestion?

Question 20

Short Answer

What are the emergency care steps for ingested poisoning?

Answer 20

Emergency care steps for an ingested poisoning include gathering whatever information is available about the poison and contacting medical direction on the scene or en route. Administer activated charcoal as instructed by medical direction, and position the patient for vomiting. Have suction equipment readily available, and never discard vomitus until it can inspected by the receiving facility personnel or physician.

Question 21

Short Answer

What are the emergency care steps for inhaled poisoning? For absorbed poisoning?

Answer 21

Emergency care steps for an inhaled poisoning include removing the patient form the source of the poison establishing an open airway, and inserting an OPA or NPA. Administer oxygen as appropriate. Gather the patient’s history, taken vital signs, expose the chest for auscultation, and contact medical direction. Transport. Emergency care steps for an absorbed poisoning include removing the patient from the source of the poison while avoiding your own cross-contamination. Always brush powders from the patient, being careful not to abrade the patient’s skin. Remove contaminated clothing. Irrigate with clear water for at least 20 minutes while catching contaminated water and disposing of it safely. Contact medical direction and transport.