Poisoning and overdose - common problems of acute poisoning

Question 1

1. Altered levels of consciousness
2. decreased airway reflexes - leads to airway obstruction
3. Aspiration (inhalation) of regurgitated contents
4. Respiratory depression and respiratory arrest
5. Hypotension

In pts that overdoses as a form of self-harm death is a common outcome.

• Airway obstruction and respiratory arrest are secondary to decreased levels of consciousness