Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

EMT > ch 22 > Flashcards

ch 22 Flashcards

(81 cards)

Start Studying
1
Q

What is toxicology

A

The study of the effects of poisons

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is a poison

A

Any substance that can impair health or cause death by chemical action

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is the most common route of poisoning

A

Ingestion

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What are the four main routes of poison exposure

A

Ingestion inhalation injection absorption

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is the first step in treating a poisoning

A

Ensure scene safety and use standard precautions

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is the role of activated charcoal

A

It binds to certain poisons to prevent absorption in the GI tract

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

When is activated charcoal contraindicated

A

In cases of altered mental status or ingestion of caustics or hydrocarbons

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What are signs of inhaled poisoning

A

Burning eyes sore throat cough chest pain dizziness confusion

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What should you do first for inhaled poison exposure

A

Remove the patient from the source and provide oxygen

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is the concern with injected poisons like heroin or animal venom

A

Immediate effects with no way to remove the toxin

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

How are absorbed poisons commonly introduced

A

Through the skin or mucous membranes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What should you do for absorbed poison on skin

A

Avoid contamination remove clothing and flush skin with water

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What are examples of common absorbed poisons

A

Pesticides acids alkalis plant toxins

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What are signs of systemic poisoning

A

Nausea vomiting dizziness seizures altered mental status

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What should you bring to the hospital when treating a poisoning patient

A

The substance container or labels if possible

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What is a common sign of opioid overdose

A

Pinpoint pupils with respiratory depression

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is naloxone used for

A

Reversing opioid overdose effects

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What is the mnemonic for identifying causes of altered mental status

A

AEIOU TIPS

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What does AEIOU TIPS stand for

A

Alcohol Epilepsy Insulin Overdose Uremia Trauma Infection Psychosis Stroke

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What is the national poison control number

A

1 800 222 1222

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What patient history should you gather for poisoning

A

Substance amount route and time of exposure

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What are common symptoms of ingested poisons

A

Burns around mouth GI pain vomiting altered mental status

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Why is it important to determine the time of exposure

A

It helps guide treatment options like activated charcoal

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What is the priority in managing any poisoning

A

ABCs airway breathing and circulation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
What are signs of stimulant use
Agitation tachycardia dilated pupils hypertension hyperthermia
26
What are signs of sedative-hypnotic overdose
Drowsiness respiratory depression hypotension
27
What are common stimulants
Cocaine amphetamines methamphetamines
28
What are examples of sedative-hypnotics
Benzodiazepines barbiturates alcohol
29
What signs might indicate cholinergic poisoning
Salivation lacrimation urination defecation GI distress emesis
30
What is the mnemonic SLUDGE used for
Signs of cholinergic poisoning
31
What is the antidote for opioid overdose
Naloxone
32
Why should you always support ventilation before giving naloxone
Because hypoxia is the primary danger in opioid overdose
33
What are hallucinogens and how do they affect patients
Substances that alter perception mood and consciousness often causing anxiety or paranoia
34
What are signs of inhalant abuse
Dazed appearance chemical smell hallucinations cardiac dysrhythmias
35
What is delirium tremens
Severe alcohol withdrawal that can cause seizures hallucinations and death
36
What should you do if you suspect alcohol poisoning
Support airway prevent aspiration monitor vitals transport
37
What danger is associated with acetaminophen overdose
Liver failure
38
What danger is associated with aspirin overdose
Metabolic acidosis and increased bleeding
39
What is the first action for any suspected toxic exposure
Ensure personal and scene safety
40
When should you contact poison control or medical direction
Anytime poison type or treatment is unclear
41
What is the EMS concern with opioid overdose
Respiratory failure airway obstruction death
42
What are examples of opioids
Heroin morphine fentanyl oxycodone hydrocodone
43
What are the signs of stimulant overdose
Agitation hypertension tachycardia dilated pupils seizures
44
What is the EMS concern with stimulants
Cardiac arrhythmias seizures hyperthermia
45
What are examples of stimulants
Cocaine methamphetamine Adderall MDMA
46
What are signs of sedative-hypnotic overdose
Drowsiness slowed breathing slurred speech hypotension
47
What are examples of sedative-hypnotics
Benzodiazepines barbiturates alcohol
48
What is the EMS concern with sedative overdose
Respiratory depression and aspiration
49
What are signs of alcohol poisoning
Confusion vomiting hypothermia slow breathing unconsciousness
50
What is the concern with alcohol withdrawal
Seizures hallucinations delirium tremens
51
What are signs of hallucinogen use
Hallucinations anxiety tachycardia dilated pupils paranoia
52
What are examples of hallucinogens
LSD psilocybin mescaline PCP
53
What are dangers of hallucinogen use
Accidental injury violent behavior psychosis
54
What are signs of inhalant abuse
Dazed appearance chemical smell hallucinations sudden cardiac arrest
55
What is sudden sniffing death syndrome
Fatal heart rhythm caused by inhalant use
56
What are signs of anticholinergic poisoning
Hot dry skin dilated pupils tachycardia hallucinations
57
What are examples of anticholinergics
Antihistamines tricyclic antidepressants atropine
58
What are signs of cholinergic poisoning
Salivation lacrimation urination diarrhea GI cramps emesis
59
What are examples of cholinergic agents
Organophosphates nerve agents insecticides
60
What is the EMS concern with cholinergic agents
Airway compromise seizures respiratory failure
61
What are signs of acetaminophen overdose
Nausea vomiting liver failure over 24 to 72 hours
62
What is the EMS concern with acetaminophen overdose
Delayed onset of symptoms with potential for liver damage
63
What are signs of aspirin overdose
Ringing in ears hyperventilation vomiting altered mental status
64
What is the EMS concern with aspirin overdose
Metabolic acidosis and bleeding risk
65
What are signs of food poisoning
Nausea vomiting diarrhea fever weakness
66
What is the main treatment for food poisoning
Symptom support and rapid transport if severe
67
You arrive on the scene of a 30-year-old male who is unconscious and has slow shallow breathing. His pupils are pinpoint. What do you suspect
Opioid overdose
68
What is the first intervention for a suspected opioid overdose
Administer naloxone (Narcan) and support ventilation
69
A 25-year-old female has been found unresponsive in her bedroom after using an illicit drug. She is breathing 6 times per minute and her pupils are dilated. What is the most likely cause
Stimulant overdose (e.g. methamphetamine or cocaine)
70
What should you do first for a suspected stimulant overdose
Support airway and breathing monitor vitals and prepare for possible seizures
71
A 40-year-old male is found by his wife who reports he has been drinking heavily over the past 24 hours. He is now confused sweating and having tremors. What condition do you suspect
Alcohol withdrawal (delirium tremens)
72
What is the immediate priority for a patient with alcohol withdrawal
Support airway breathing and circulation
73
You respond to a call for a 50-year-old male complaining of chest pain after ingesting a bottle of acetaminophen. What is your first action
Assess the patient’s airway and breathing and prepare to transport to a facility for possible liver toxicity
74
A 45-year-old woman presents with confusion excessive drooling and sweating She reports working in her garden and using insecticide earlier today. What do you suspect
Cholinergic poisoning (possibly from organophosphates or insecticides)
75
How should you treat a patient with cholinergic poisoning
Remove the patient from the source administer atropine if indicated and provide supportive care including airway management
76
A 35-year-old male arrives at the ER with agitation hypertension and severe anxiety. He denies any known medical history but is sweating and has dilated pupils. What is the most likely cause
Stimulant overdose (e.g. cocaine and methamphetamine)
77
What is your treatment priority for stimulant overdose
Ensure a safe environment
78
A 20-year-old woman is found unconscious with a strong smell of chemicals on her breath. You suspect inhalant abuse. What is your immediate action
Ensure the patient’s airway is open and provide high-flow oxygen while preparing for possible sudden cardiac arrest
79
A 60-year-old male presents with slurred speech drowsiness and decreased respirations after taking several benzodiazepines for anxiety. What is your first action
Support airway and breathing and consider naloxone if an opioid overdose is also suspected
80
A 28-year-old man comes to your attention complaining of nausea vomiting and diarrhea after eating food at a local restaurant. What is the most likely cause
Food poisoning
81
What is your treatment focus for a suspected case of food poisoning
Symptomatic care and fluid replacement with early transport if dehydration or severe symptoms are present

EMT (24 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions