Adult poisonings can be
accidental or intentional
Addiction
physical or psychological need to continue misusing a drug or toxin
Tolerance
the need to take increasing amounts of the drug or toxin to achieve the desired effects
4 Routs of Exposure
ingestion
inhalation
injection
absorption
Most common route of exposure
ingestion
Accidental overdose is predominately common in
pediatric
geriatric
Common accidental overdose medications
cardiac medications
psychiatric medications
acetaminophen
Signs and Symptoms of Ingested Toxins
burning to the mouth/airway
stomach pain
altered LOC
altered vital signs
Intentional overdoses by adults often involve
more than one substance
Sedatives, narcotics, and barbiturates can cause
altered LOC and respiratory depression
Specific interventions for ingested toxins
activated charcoal
Examples of inhaled poisons
chemicals
pesticides
carbon monoxide
natural gas
Signs and symptoms of inhaled poisons
dyspnea coughing dizziness headache abnormal lung sounds
Specific Interventions for inhaled toxins
high flow oxygen
monitor lung sounds
Effects of injected toxins can be difficult to
diminish
dilute
inhibit
Commonly injected toxins include
morphine
heroin
cocaine
amphetamines
Signs and Symptoms of injected substances
mood elevation
restlessness
tachycardia
seizures, heart attack, stroke, death
pinpoint pupils is a sign of
injected narcotics
Examples of absorbed poisons
pesticides
acids/alkalis
petroleum based products
Signs and symptoms of absorbed toxins
skin burns
rash/blisters
itching/burning
Specific Interventions for absorbed toxins
decontaminate
irrigate skin or eyes with water for 20mins
What should you do with a patient who has an altered or decreased LOC
administer oxygen and check BGL
Most long term alcoholics will develop
hepititis
Alcohol withdrawal can cause
restless irritable agitated hallucinations tremors seizures
Types of Narcotics
morphine
codeine
heroin
oxycodone
Narcotics depress what?
CNS
Examples of barbiturates
amytal
seconal
luminal
Examples of benzodiazepines
valium
xanax
rohypnol
Examples of abused inhalants
acetones
glues
cleaning chemicals
paints etc
Inhalants can cause
brain damage
cardiac arrest
Examples of stimulants
caffeine
cocaine
amphetamines
methamphetamines
Altered sensory perception is an effect of what?
hallucinogens
Examples of caustic substances
acids and alkalis
These have a very low pH
acids
These have a very high pH
alkalis
Examples of acids and alkalis
drain openers
bathroom cleaners
ammonia
bleach
Hydrocarbons
petroleum based found in gasoline, paints, sunscreen, erc
Activated charcoal is contraindicated with
hydrocarbon ingestion