Poisoning Treatment

Question 1

Respiration emergency

Answer 1

Open airway, lift chin, assisted ventilation may be needed, o2 if carbon monoxide poisoning

Question 2

BP

Answer 2

Hypotension - with CNS depression give NACL
Hypertension - with amfetamine, phencyclidine and cocaine

Question 3

Body temperature

Answer 3

Hypothermia - low body temp with barbiturates/phenothiazines

Hyperthermia - with stimulants

Question 4

Convulsions

Answer 4

Benzodiazepines give IV if not midazolam or diazepam rectally

Question 5

Prevention of absorption

Answer 5

Activated charcoal useful in poisons of small amounts

Question 6

Active elimination technique

Answer 6

Repeated activated charcoal give with carbamazepine, daspone, phenobarbital, quinine, theophylline

Question 7

Haemodialysis

Answer 7

Ethylene glycol, thrum, menthol,phenobarbital, salicylate and sodium Valporate

Question 8

Alkalisation

Answer 8

Sodium carbonate to reduce acid levels - salicylates

Question 9

Removal from Gi tract - pump stomach

Answer 9

Rare if taken within last hour

Question 10

Whole bowel irrigation (clean entire bowels)

Answer 10

MR, EC formulations

Question 11

Symptoms of poisoning

Answer 11

Ataxia- no coordination
Dysarthia -slurred speech
Nystagmus - involuntary eye movement
Hypoglycaemia - low blood sugar
Hyperventilation - Rapid breathing
Tinnitus - ringing ears
Vasodilation - dilated vessels so more blood flow
Liver damage - damage of the liver

Question 12

Drugs can cause what?

Answer 12

Alcohol - ataxia, dysarthia, nystagmus,drowsiness,hypoglycaemia

Aspirin - hyperventilation,tinnitus,deafness,vasodilation, sweating
Opioids - Coma,Respiraotory depression, pinpoint pupils
Paracetamol- liver damage