Overdose and Poisoning Flashcards
(12 cards)
Poison?
A substance capable of causing illness or death when absorbed/introduced
Overdose
Exposure to a substance above its porescribed/safe dose.
Types of exposure?
Ingestion (paracetamol overdose)
Inhalation (carbon monoxide poisoning)
Absorption (pesticide exposure)
Injection (recreational drug use)
Assessment history taking:
what substance was involved?
How much was taken and when?
Mode of exposure
Any alcohol or other subtances taken currently.
Clinical examination
Common signs: altered level of consciousness, respiratory depression or distress, hypotension or arrhythmias.
Specific toxidromes
Look for clues: drug packets/paraphernalia.
Investigations: 12 lead ECG, BG, Toxidromes.
Management?
ABCs
Reversible causes: hypoglycaemia, seizures hypothermia.
Reversible causes 400mcg naloxone
Activated charcoal: 50g in 250ml
Adrenaline: for anaphyalxis caused by toxins.
Specific toxidromes?
Opioid toxidromes - signs: pinpoint pupils, RD, LOC. Naloxone.
Sympathomimetic toxidrome - agitation, tachycardia, hypertension, hyperthermia.
Cholinergic toxidrome - salivation, lacrimation, urination, diarrhoea, bradyacardia.
Anticholinergic toxidrome? - dry skin, mucous, confusion, tachycardia.
Toxidromes?
Group of signs and symptoms associated with specific classes of toxins or drugs
Cholinergic toxidrome
SLUDGE
Salivation, lacrimation, urination, diarrhoea, gastro distress, emesis.
Anticholinergic toxidrome?
Mad as a hatter - confusion, hallucinations
Blind as a bat - dilated pupils, blurrred vision
Dry as a bone - dry skin and mucous membranes
RED AS A BEET - flushed as fuck
Hot as a hare - hyperthermia.
Opioid toxidrome
Slow - respiratory depression, bradycardia
Small - agitation, sweating.
Sympathomimetic toxidrome?
Fast and furious
Fast - tachycardia, hypertension
Furious - agitation, sweating
