Poisons and Environmental Toxins Flashcards
(196 cards)
Kids are at increased risk for manifestation of what toxicity effects over the course of their lifetime as compared to adults?
Latent toxicity effects
What toxin does the placenta specifically block?
Cadmium
Can lead transfer across the placenta?
Yes
What toxin does the placenta enhance the passage of?
Mercury
What 2 toxins can cross the placenta easily due to their lipophilic nature and low molecular weight?
PCBs and insecticides
What 3 toxins could you see in water?
- E. coli
- Cryptosporidium
- Mercury
What common thing ingested can contain many toxins, especially if not handled correctly?
Food
What is the appropriate dosing of activated charcoal?
0.5 to 1 g/kg, up to an adult dose range of 25 to 100 g
What can be given to expedite exit of an ingested substance (toxin) and reduce enterohepatic excretion?
Cathartics (magnesium citrate and sorbitol)
What is always an incorrect treatment for toxin ingestion on boards?
Syrup of ipecac
What are some reasons kids are at an increased risk from toxic exposures compared to adults?
In utero, smaller size means more vulnerable to an equivalent toxic exposure. Kids put more non-food items in mouth, increased risk for exposure to toxic agents in environment.
If you are giving activated charcoal to a patient at risk for respiratory depression (like phenobarbital overdose), what else should you do?
Intubation, then give charcoal with an NG tube
What can’t you give activated charcoal with?
Antidotes (it would interfere with the absorption of the antidote)
What is the one antidote you can give with activated charcoal and why?
N-acetylcysteine (since it is given in such large quantities)
What are the toxic substances that are “calmly” removed without charcoal?
Cyanide
Alcohol
Lithium
Heavy Metals
Charcoal is a poor choice for these
When would you do gastric lavage?
Use is reserved for potential life-threatening ingestions that have occurred within 60 minutes of seeking medical attention
*Gastric lavage is no longer recommended for most infections…risk outweighs benefits
With toxin ingestion what should you do first?
Address ABCs and search for the specific cause later
Most treatment for toxins is supportive
If you are presented with an unstable patient, what is the correct answer?
Secure the airway
When do the initial manifestations of acetaminophen toxicity occur?
First 24 hours
What are the initial symptoms of acetaminophen toxicity?
Anorexia, nausea, vomiting
In cases of significant acetaminophen toxicity, what happens during the latent phase and how long does this last?
Liver enzyme levels rise significantly, lasts 1-4 days
With severe acetaminophen toxicity, what happens after the latent phase (1-4 days where liver enzyme levels rise)?
Jaundice and liver tenderness
What is the most important predictor of outcome regarding acetaminophen toxicity?
Level taken 4-10 hours post ingestion
Why is immediate discharge from the ED when the person is asymptomatic following acetaminophen ingestion always the wrong answer?
It is very common to be asymptomatic initially, with liver toxicity presenting later on