Lec 3 Flashcards
(46 cards)
What is Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning known as?
Silent Killer
What are the common household sources of CO poisoning?
- Charcoal grills
- Gas heaters
- Stoves
What is the mechanism of action of Carbon Monoxide?
CO binds to hemoglobin, forming carboxyhemoglobin (COHb), reducing oxygen carrying capacity and leading to anemic anoxia.
What are the clinical presentations of mild CO poisoning (COHb < 15-20%)?
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Vomiting
What are the severe clinical presentations of CO poisoning (COHb > 40-60%)?
- Palpitations
- Dysrhythmias
- Hypotension
- Myocardial ischemia
- Cardiac arrest
- Pulmonary edema
- Respiratory arrest
- Seizures
- Coma
What investigations are used to detect COHb levels in blood?
- Spectroscopic Examination
- CO-oximeter
- Gas chromatography
What is the treatment for COHb levels greater than 15%?
100% O2
What is the primary use of Hydrocyanic Acid (Prussic Acid)?
- Industrial uses
- Agricultural insecticide and rodenticide
- Medical uses (Na nitroprusside)
What is the mechanism of action of Prussic Acid?
Blocks cytochrome oxidase enzymes, leading to cellular asphyxia and histotoxic anoxia.
What are the clinical symptoms of large dose Prussic Acid poisoning?
Sudden death within 1-2 minutes.
What is the treatment for Prussic Acid poisoning?
- Amyl nitrite
- Sodium nitrite
- Sodium thiosulfate
- Reducing agents (Vitamin C, methylene blue)
What is the mechanism of action of Ethanol?
Depresses the central nervous system and causes peripheral vasodilatation.
What are the clinical signs of mild ethanol intoxication?
- Alcoholic euphoria
- Abnormal behavior
- Sexual crimes
What are the signs of severe ethanol intoxication?
- Weak rapid pulse
- Low blood pressure
- Slow shallow respiration
- Inhibited reflexes
- Convulsions
What is the legal evidence of drunkenness based on blood ethanol concentration?
Higher than 150 mg %
What are the supportive measures for ethanol poisoning?
- ABC
- Gastric lavage
- Forced alkaline diuresis
- Hemodialysis if blood alcohol level > 350 mg %
What are the primary effects of Methyl Alcohol (Methanol) poisoning?
- CNS depression
- G.I.T. irritation
- Metabolic acidosis
- Ocular toxicity
What is the treatment for Methanol poisoning?
- Supportive measures
- Gastric lavage
- Forced alkaline diuresis
- Hemodialysis if blood level > 50 mg/dl
What antidote is used for Methanol poisoning?
- Ethanol
- 4-methyl pyrazole (fomepizole)
What are the common types of animal envenomation?
- Snake bites
- Scorpion stings
- Jellyfish stings
- Spider bites
What is the clinical picture of snake bites?
- Local swelling, pain, and bruising
- Systemic symptoms include paralysis and cardiac arrest
What is the treatment for snake bites before reaching the hospital?
- Reassurance
- Immobilization of the limb
What is the treatment for snake bites after arrival at the hospital?
- Supportive measures
- Tetanus toxoid
- Specific antivenin
- Antibiotics
- Analgesics
What are the systemic effects of scorpion stings?
- CNS agitation
- Tachycardia
- Hypertension
- Cardiac arrest