question

Body mass in kilogram

answer

divide by 2.2

question

How to know if a patient has been poisoned

answer

Once on or in the body, poisons can do damage in a variety of ways. A poison may act as a corrosive or irritant, destroying skin and other body tissues. A poisonous gas can act as a suffocating agent, displacing oxygen in the air. Some poisons are systemic poisons, causing harm to the entire body or to an entire body system. These poisons can critically depress or overstimulate the central nervous system, cause vomiting and diarrhea, prevent red blood cells from carrying oxygen, or interfere with the normal biochemical processes in the body at the level of the cell. The actual effect and extent of damage is dependent on the nature of the poison, on its concentration, and sometimes on how it enters the body. These factors vary in importance depending on the patient's age, weight, and general health.

question

ingested poisons

answer

(poisons that are swallowed) can include many common household and industrial chemicals, medications, improperly prepared or stored foods, plant materials, petroleum products, and agricultural products made specifically to control rodents, weeds, insects, and crop diseases.

question

inhaled poisons

answer

(poisons that are breathed in) take the form of gases, vapors, and sprays. Again, many of these substances are in common use in the home, industry, and agriculture. Such poisons include carbon monoxide (from car exhaust, wood-burning stoves, and furnaces), ammonia, chlorine, insect sprays, and the gases produced from volatile liquid chemicals (volatile means "able to change very easily from a liquid into a gas"; many industrial solvents are volatile).

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Absorbed Poisons

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(poisons taken into the body through unbroken skin) may or may not damage the skin. Many are corrosives or irritants that will injure the skin and then be slowly absorbed into body tisues and the bloodstream, possibly causing widespread damage. Others are absorbed into the bloodstream without injuring the skin. Examples of these poisons include insecticides and agricultural chemicals. Contact with a variety of plant materials and certain forms of marine life can lead to skin damage and possible absorption into tissues under the skin.

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injected poisons

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(poisons inserted through the skin) enter the body through a means that penetrates the skin.The most common injected poisons include illicit drugs injected with a needle and venoms injected by snake fangs or insect stingers.

question

Assessment and care for alcohol abuse

answer

Since alcohol abuse patients often vomit, take Standard Precautions, including gloves, mask, and protective eyewear as necessary. To provide basic care for the intoxicated patient and the patient suffering alcohol withdrawal, follow these steps: 1. Stay alert for airway and respiratory problems. Be prepared to perform airway maintenance, suctioning, and positioning of the patient should the patient lose consciousness, seize, or vomit. Help the patient so that vomitus will not be aspirated. Have a rigid-tip suction device ready. Provide oxygen and assist respirations as needed. 2. Assess for trauma the patient may be unaware of because of his intoxication. 3. Be alert for changes in mental status as alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream. Talk to the patient in an effort to keep him as alert as possible. 4. Monitor vital signs. 5. Treat for shock. 6. Protect the patient from self-injury. Use restraint as authorized by your EMS system. Request assistance from law enforcement if needed. Protect yourself and your crew. 7. Stay alert for seizures. 8. Transport the patient to a medical facility.

question

— Assessment and care for substance abuse

answer

...

question

Describe the ways in which poisons can enter the body. (pp. 547-548)

answer

...

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Identify potential dangers to EMS providers and others at scenes where poisoning, alcohol abuse, or substance abuse is involved. (pp. 546-567)

answer

...

question

Collect key elements in the history of a patient who has been poisoned. (pp. 549, 554, 558)

answer

...

question

Describe the use of activated charcoal in the management of ingested poisons. (pp. 550-553)

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...

question

Explain the management of patients who have ingested a poison. (p. 553)

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...

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Develop a plan for managing patients who have inhaled poisons. (pp. 554-558)

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...

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Develop a plan for managing patients who have absorbed poisons through the skin. (pp. 558-559, 560)

answer

...

question

Describe the health risks associated with alcohol abuse. (p. 561)

answer

...

question

Recognize the signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse and alcohol withdrawal. (pp. 561-562)

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...

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Recognize signs, symptoms, and health risks associated with abuse of substances, including stimulants, depressants, narcotics, volatile chemicals, and hallucinogens. (pp. 563-566)

answer

...

question

Given a variety of scenarios, develop a treatment plan for patients with emergencies related to alcohol and substance abuse. (pp. 562-563, 566-567)

answer

...

question

absorbed poisons, p. 548

answer

1. Detect and treat immediately life-threatening problems in the primary assessment. Evaluate the need for prompt transport of critical patients. 2. Perform a secondary assessment; obtain vital signs. This includes removing contami- nated clothing while protecting oneself from contamination. 3. Remove the poison by doing one of the following: • Powders. Brush powder off the patient, then continue as for other absorbed poisons. • Liquids. Irrigate with clean water for at least 20 minutes and continue en route if possible. • Eyes. Irrigate with clean water for at least 20 minutes and continue en route if possible. 4. Transport the patient with all containers, bottles, MSDS sheets, and labels from the substance. 5. Perform reassessment en route.

question

activated charcoal, p. 551

answer

...

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antidote, p. 553

answer

a substance that will neutralize the poison or its effects.

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delirium tremens (DTs), p. 562

answer

...

question

dilution, p. 552

answer

thinning down or weakening by mixing with something else. Ingested poisons are sometimes diluted by drinking water or milk.

question

downers, p. 564

answer

...

question

hallucinogens, p. 565

answer

...

question

ingested poisons, p. 547

answer

...

question

inhaled poisons, p. 547

answer

1. Remove the patient from the source of the poison. 2. Establish an open airway. 3. Insert an oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway and administer high-concentration oxygen by 4. Gather the patient's history, take baseline vital signs, and expose the chest for auscultation. 5. Contact medical direction. 6. Transport the patient.

question

injected poisons, p. 548

answer

...

question

narcotics

answer

Analgesics that are interchangeable with opiods (also include heroine, marijuana, cocaine, and amphetamines)

question

poison, p. 546

answer

any substance that can harm the body by altering cell structure or functions.

question

toxin, p. 546

answer

a poisonous substance secreted by bacteria, plants, or animals.

question

uppers, p. 563

answer

...

question

volatile chemicals, p. 565

answer

...

question

withdrawal, p. 562

answer

...

question

Ingested Poisons

answer

1. Quickly gather information. 2. Call medical direction on the scene or en route to the hospital. 3. If directed, administer activated charcoal. You may wish to administer the medication in an opaque cup that has a lid with a hole for a straw. 4. Position the patient for vomiting and save all vomitus. Have suction equipment ready. When a patient has ingested a poison, it provides another reason to avoid mouth-to-mouth contact. Provide ventilations through a pocket face mask or other barrier devic

question

Poison

answer

A poison is any substance that can harm the body The harm it can cause can result in a medical emergency "All things are poison and nothing is without poison, only the dose permits something not to be poisonous." Paracelsus

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Effects of a Poison

answer

Harm to body based on nature of poison, concentration, route of entry, patient's age and health. Damage to skin and tissues from contact. Suffocation. Localized or systemic damage to body systems. Dependent on: 1. Nature of poison 2. Concentration 3. How poison enters the body 4. Patient's age, weight, and general health

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Toxins

answer

Toxins may not only damage exposed skin, but may enter the body and damage tissues and organs. Some poisons may directly impact the central nervous system, either depressing or overstimulating it. Gases such as carbon monoxide interfere with red blood cells' ability to carry oxygen. Other gases that are not themselves toxic can displace oxygen, leading to suffocation.

question

Classification of Poisons (By Routes of Entry) A+III

answer

Absorbed Inhaled Ingested Injected

question

Four routes involve poisons, blood-borne pathogens, drugs, and weapons of mass destruction.

answer

Ingested-common household and industrial chemicals, medications, improperly prepared or stored foods, plant materials, petroleum products, agricultural products. Inhaled-Gases, vapors, and sprays common in home, industry, and agriculture. Includes carbon monoxide, ammonia, chlorine, insect sprays, and gases from volatile liquid chemicals many industrial solvents). Absorbed-Corrosives or irritants that may or may not damage skin before being absorbed into body tissues and bloodstream. Insecticides, agricultural chemicals, plant materials and certain forms of marine life. Injected-Most commonly illicit drugs injected with a needle and venoms injected by snake fangs or insect stingers.

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Ingested Poison

answer

Child: may accidentally eat or drink a toxic substance Adult: often an accidental or deliberate medication overdose

question

Medications may not be just prescription. Use "PORCH" acronym during assessment:

answer

Prescription, Over the counter, Recreational, Compliance (taking as prescribed?), Herbal/supplemental (includes vitamins). OTC and herbal supplements can be just as toxic as prescription medications. Elderly persons may forget when they took their medications, causing them to possibly take their daily dose twice. Children may also ingest waterless hand cleaners after their use.

question

Common Ingested Poisons

answer

Medications Petroleum products Cosmetics Pesticides Plants Food

question

Assessment:Ingested Poisons

answer

What substance was involved? Look for container; check labels Transport with patient to hospital When did exposure occur? Quick-acting poison requires faster treatment ER personnel need to know for appropriate testing and treatment How much was ingested? Estimate missing pills by looking at prescription label Over how long a time? Treatments may vary Was medication taken for very first time? Was medication being taken chronically? What interventions have been taken? Treatments indicated on label, Other home remedies (syrup of ipecac) What is patient's weight? Rate of onset of toxic effects is related to weight What effects has patient experienced? Nausea, vomiting, altered mental status, abdominal pain, diarrhea, chemical burns around mouth, unusual breath odors

question

Food Poisoning

answer

Can be caused by improperly handled or prepared food Symptoms: nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, fever May occur within hours of ingestion, or a day or two later

question

Treatment Food Poisoning

answer

Activated Charcoal Antidotes

question

Activated Charcoal

answer

Works through adsorption, allowing substances to attach to its surface Not an antidote: prevents or reduces amount of poison absorbed by body

question

Contraindications for Activated Charcoal

answer

Inability to swallow Altered mental status Acid/Alkali/gasoline ingestion Food poisoning

question

Inhaled Poisons

answer

While many gases are toxic, others kill via oxygen displacement, where the gas replaces the oxygen in the environment, leading to suffocation. The gas itself (such as nitrogen) may be harmless, but the lack of oxygen is deadly. Common Types: Carbon monoxide Ammonia Chlorine Agricultural chemicals and pesticides Carbon dioxide

question

Assessment: Inhaled Poisons

answer

What substance is involved (exact name)? When did exposure occur? Over how long did exposure occur? What interventions has anyone taken? Remove patient? Ventilate area? What effects is patient experiencing? Move patient from unsafe environment using trained and equipped personnel Detect/treat life threatening injuries Open airway; provide high flow oxygen History, physical exam, vital signs Transport with all containers, bottles, and labels Reassessment en route

question

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning

answer

Can be caused by improper venting of fireplaces, portable heaters, generators Colorless, odorless, tasteless gas created by combustion Common cause of death during winter and power outages If the CO poisoning is the result of a malfunctioning heater or poorly vented fireplace, everyone in the home or building may be affected. Commonly accepted idea that patients exposed to CO have cherry-red lips is not true.

question

Treatment: CO Poisoning

answer

High flow oxygen is appropriate treatment, but CO bonds to red blood cells much more strongly than oxygen does Can take several hours or days to "wash" CO from bloodstream

question

Smoke Inhalation

answer

Smoke from burning materials can contain poisonous and toxic substances, including CO, ammonia, chlorine, cyanide Substances can irritate skin and eyes, damage lungs, and progress to respiratory or cardiac arrest

question

Signs and Symptoms: Smoke Inhalation

answer

Difficulty breathing Coughing "Smoky" or chemical smell on breath Black (carbon) residue in mouth, nose or sputum Singed nasal or facial hair

question

Treatment: Smoke Inhalation

answer

Move patient to safe area Maintain airway; provide high flow oxygen Monitor patient closely—airway burns may lead to swelling of airway The body's reaction to toxic gases and foreign matter in the airway can often be delayed. Convince all smoke inhalation patients that they must be seen by a physician, even if they are not yet feeling serious effects.

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"Detergent Suicides"

answer

Method of suicide started in Japan and becoming more common in the U.S. Mix two easily-obtained chemicals to release hydrogen sulfide gas Commonly released inside enclosed space such as a car A source of acid, such as a strong household cleaner, and a source of sulfur, often a pesticide, when mixed together will quickly release significant amounts of toxic hydrogen sulfide gas. Often the victim will leave notes warning others of the hazardous gas.

question

Absorbed Poisons

answer

Can be absorbed through skin May or may not cause damage to skin Patient may require decontamination prior to treatment

question

Treatment: Absorbed Poisons

answer

Assess for immediate life threats History, physical exam, vital signs Brush off powder, then irrigate Irrigate skin and eyes for at least 20 minutes and during transport Transport with all containers Reassessment en route

question

Injected Poisons

answer

Illicit drugs Venoms

question

Treatment: Injected Poisons

answer

May not know substance Contact poison control

question

Poison Control Centers

answer

Excellent resource Information on poisons, signs and symptoms, and treatments Follow local protocol for contact procedures

question

Alcohol and Substance Abuse

answer

Alcohol and substance abuse are both safety threats to the EMT. Assure good safety habits when dealing with these types of patients. Alcohol might disrupt the assessment of a patient with altered mental status. See many patients whose conditions are caused either directly or indirectly by alcohol or substance abuse Abuse of alcohol and other drugs crosses all geographic and economic boundaries

question

Alcohol Abuse

answer

Potent drug affects central nervous system Can be addictive Emergencies may result from recent consumption or years of abuse Treat patients as any others Abuse can lead to or worsen other medical conditions Alcohol often consumed with other drugs, which can result in a serious medical emergency Impaired patients can be uncooperative or combative Contact law enforcement if safety concern

question

Assessment: Alcohol Abuse

answer

Many medical conditions mimic alcohol intoxication Intoxicated patients may also have medical problems All patients receive full assessment regardless of suspicion of intoxication Remember that diabetes, epilepsy, head injuries, high fevers, hypoxia, and other medical problems may make the patient appear to be intoxicated. This can also include many traumatic injuries such as blood loss and head injury.

question

Signs and Symptoms: Alcohol Abuse

answer

Alcohol odor on breath Unsteady on feet Slurred, rambling speech Flushed, complaining of being warm Nausea/vomiting Poor coordination Blurred vision Confusion/altered mental status Hallucinations

question

delirium tremens (DTs)

answer

Abrupt cessation of drinking may cause some alcoholics to suffer from delirium tremens (DTs) Can be serious, resulting in tremors, hallucinations, and seizures

question

Signs and Symptoms: Alcohol Withdrawal

answer

Confusion and restlessness Unusual behavior, demonstrating "insane" behavior Hallucinations, gross tremor of hands, profuse sweating, anxiety Seizures Hypertension Tachycardia Alcohol can be a respiratory depressant. The patient may not be a reliable source of information. Try to seek other sources such as bystanders, family, medical bracelets, or law enforcement. Be on the alert for signals—such as depressed vital signs—that the patient has mixed alcohol and drugs.

question

Patient Care: Alcohol Abuse

answer

Vomiting common; standard precautions are essential Keep suction ready Stay alert for airway and respiratory problems Monitor vital signs Gather history from patient, bystanders Stay alert for seizures

question

Substance Abuse

answer

Any chemical substance taken for other than therapeutic (medical) reasons Includes illicit drugs, prescription medications, industrial chemicals

question

Commonly abused substances

answer

can be classified as uppers, downers, narcotics, hallucinogens, or volatile chemicals.

question

Uppers

answer

Stimulants that affect the nervous system Caffiene Cocaine Amphetamines May be snorted, smoked, or injected

question

Downers

answer

Central nervous system depressants Barbiturates Rohypnol (Roofies) GHB

question

Narcotics

answer

Used to relieve pain or help with sleep Opiates Heroin, codeine, morphine Oxycodone OD characterized by coma, pinpoint pupils, and respiratory depression

question

Hallucinogens

answer

Create intense state of excitement and distorted perception LSD, PCP, some mushrooms, XTC

question

Volatile Chemicals

answer

Produce vapors that are inhaled Initial "rush," then can act as central nervous system depressant

question

Assessment:Substance Abuse

answer

May be difficult Patient's level of consciousness Patient may have taken more than one type of drug Patient may be uncooperative or combative Be aware of a possibility of contaminated needles and the presence of chemicals

question

Signs and Symptoms: Uppers

answer

People who abuse these drugs display excitement, increased pulse and breathing rates, rapid speech, dry mouth, dilated pupils, sweating, and the complaint of having gone without sleep for long periods. Repeated high doses can produce a "speed run." The patient will be restless, hyperactive, and usually very apprehensive and uncooperative.

question

Signs and Symptoms: Downers

answer

People who abuse these drugs are sluggish, sleepy patients lacking typical coordination of body and speech. Pulse and breathing rates are low, often to the point of a true emergency.

question

Signs and Symptoms: Narcotics

answer

People who abuse these drugs have a reduced rate of pulse and rate and depth of breathing, which is often seen with a lowering of skin temperature. The pupils are constricted, often pinpoint in size. The muscles are relaxed and sweating is profuse. The patient is very sleepy and does not wish to do anything. In overdoses, coma is common. Respiratory arrest or cardiac arrest may rapidly develop.

question

Signs and Symptoms: Hallucinogens

answer

Rapid pulse Dilated pupils Flushed face Seeing or hearing things (Hallucinations)

question

Signs and Symptoms: Volatile Chemicals

answer

Dazed/disoriented Swollen membranes in nose or mouth Numbness or tingling sensation inside head Changes in heart rhythm May be residue of chemical on face or in bag

question

Treatment: Substance Abuse

answer

Be aware of possible airway problems and respiratory distress Provide oxygen and assist respirations as needed Treat for shock Talk to patient to keep them calm and cooperative Perform physical exam Look for evidence of injection sites ("track marks") Transport as soon as possible Consult with medical control on further treatment Follow local protocol concerning consideration for restraint

question

...

answer

Perform primary assessment and immediately treat life-threatening problems. Ensure an open airway. Administer high-concentration oxygen if the poison was inhaled or injected.

question

...

answer

Perform a history and physical exam, including baseline vital signs. Find out if the poison was ingested, inhaled, absorbed, or injected; what substance was involved; how much poison was taken in, when, and over how long a period; what interventions others have already done; and what effects the patient experienced.

question

...

answer

Consult medical direction. As directed, administer activated charcoal, water, or milk for ingested poisons.

question

...

answer

Remove patient who has inhaled poison from the environment and administer high-concentration oxygen; remove poisons from skin by brushing off or diluting.

question

...

answer

Transport patient with all containers, bottles, and labels from substance.

question

...

answer

Reassess patient en route.

question

...

answer

Carefully document all information about poisoning, interventions, and patient's responses.

question

...

answer

Safety is always the first concern when dealing with a poisoning or substance-abuse patient.

question

...

answer

Poisonings are generally classified by route of exposure. Effects vary greatly, depending upon type of poison and method of entrance into body.

question

...

answer

EMTs must use thorough assessment, including scene clues, to help identify the nature and severity of poisoning.

question

...

answer

Poison control centers offer a wealth of resources to assist in assessment and treatment of poisoning patient.

question

...

answer

Alcohol is a common underlying issue with patients. In some patients it may be the most significant problem.

question

...

answer

The effects of substance abuse can vary greatly, based on the type of substance. Determining the type of drug ingested can shed light on effects to come.

question

What are potential risks to the responder on a poisoning or overdose call?

answer

...

question

What are the routes of entry into the body?

answer

...

question

What are some things EMS can do to prevent poisonings, especially in children?

answer

...

question

...

answer

In a poisoned patient, perform a primary assessment and im- mediately treat life-threatening problems. Ensure an open airway. Administer high-concentration oxygen if the poison was inhaled or injected. Next, perform a secondary assessment, including baseline vi- tal signs. Find out if the poison was ingested, inhaled, ab- sorbed, or injected; what substance was involved; how much poison was taken in; when and over how long a period expo- sure took place; what interventions others have already done; and what effects the patient experienced.

question

withdrawal

answer

referring to alcohol or drug withdrawal in which the patient's body reacts severely when deprived of the abused substance.

question

1. Name four ways in which a poison can be taken into the body.

answer

Poison can be ingested, inhaled, absorbed, and injected into the body.

question

2. What is the sequence of assessment steps in cases of poisoning?

answer

The sequence of assessment steps in cases of poisoning is: detect and treat immediately life-threatening problems in the primary assessment, perform a history and physical exam, assess baseline vital signs, consult medical direction, and transport the patient with all containers and labels from the substance. Reassess the patient en route.

question

3. What information must you gather in a case of poisoning before contacting medical direction?

answer

Gather the following information about a poisoning case before contacting medical direction: • What substance was involved? • When did the exposure occur? • How much was ingested? • Over how long a period did the ingestion occur? • What interventions have the patient, family, or well-meaning bystanders taken? • What is the patient's estimated weight? • What effects is the patient experiencing from the ingestion?

question

4. What are the emergency care steps for ingested poisoning?

answer

Emergency care steps for an ingested poisoning include gathering whatever information is available about the poison and contacting medical direction on the scene or en route. Administer activated charcoal as directed by medical control, and position the patient for vomiting. Have suction equipment readily available and never discard vomitus until it can be inspected by the receiving facility personnel or physician.

question

5. What are the emergency care steps for inhaled poisoning? For absorbed poisoning?

answer

Emergency care steps for an inhaled poisoning include removing the patient from the source of the poison, establishing an open airway, and inserting an OPA or NPA.Administer high-concentration oxygen by nonrebreather mask. Gather the patient's history, take vital signs, expose the chest for auscultation, and contact medical direction. Transport. Emergency care steps for an absorbed poisoning include removing the patient from the source of the poison while avoiding your own cross-contamination. Always brush powders from the patient, being careful not to abrade the patient's skin. Remove contaminated clothing. Irrigate with clear water for at least 20 minutes while catching contaminated water and disposing of it safely. Contact medical direction and transport.

question

...

answer

Prevent the patient from brushing at his jeans. Making sure that you are wearing protective gloves, brush off as much of the powder that remains on his hands and other body areas as possible. Do not try to rinse contaminated areas with water or any other "neutralizing" substance. Remove the patient's jeans and any other clothing or jewelry that might be contaminated with the pesticide.Transport him immediately, bringing along the pesticide container and its labels.

question

narcotics

answer

A class of drugs that affect the nervous system and changes many normal body activities legally used for pain relief is:

question

1 gram/kg

answer

What is the usual dosage of activated charcoal?

question

The dosage of activated charcoal is 1 gram/kg of body weight.

answer

The dosage of activated charcoal is 1 gram/kg of body weight. The usual adult dose is 25-50 grams and the usual pediatric dose is 12.5-25 grams.

question

illicit drugs

answer

The most common injected poisons include illicit drugs injected with a needle and venoms injected by snake fangs or insect stingers. The most commonly injected poisons include snake and insect venom and:

question

What is the patient's estimated weight?

answer

Your patient has ingested a potentially dangerous amount of a medication. One question you should ask is:

question

volatile chemical.

answer

Cleaning fluid, glue, model cement, and solutions used to correct typing mistakes are commonly abused volatile chemicals, which can cause an initial "rush" in the user, followed by a depressant effect on the nervous system. A substance that provides an initial "rush" followed by a depressant effect on the nervous system is a:

question

Syrup of ipecac has been used less in recent years because:

answer

it removes, on the average, less than one third of the stomach contents. Vomiting induced with syrup of ipecac removes, on the average, less than one third of the stomach contents. If the patient has ingested a massive amount of a poison or medication, a toxic amount may remain in the system.

question

The most important part of treatment for an absorbed poison is:

answer

irrigating the skin with large amounts of clean water. The best treatment for an absorbed poison is to flush the skin with large amounts of clean water. Attempting to neutralize the substance can do more harm than good, causing a great deal of heat, resulting in burning. Activated charcoal does nothing for absorbed poisons, only for ingested ones. Warming the patient to make him perspire will open the skin's pores and allow more of the poison to be absorbed.

question

What treatment is normally advised for patients who have ingested a mild poison that does not, according to online medical direction, warrant care at a medical facility?

answer

Dilution with water or milk

question

Not all poisons are toxins. Toxins are poisons that are:

answer

produced by living organisms. Many living organisms are capable of producing a toxin, a substance that is poisonous to humans. Examples are plants, bacteria, and jellyfish.

question

Activated charcoal is manufactured to have more ____ than ordinary charcoal.

answer

surface area Ordinary charcoal adsorbs some substances, but activated charcoal is different because it has been manufactured to have many cracks and crevices. As a result, activated charcoal has an increased amount of surface area available to which poisons can bind.

question

Carbon monoxide poisoning is extremely serious because carbon monoxide:

answer

Carbon monoxide is undetectable without special equipment. It takes the place of oxygen on red blood cells, causing hypoxia. Long exposure, even at low levels, can cause serious effects.

question

Activated charcoal is given to patients who have ingested a poison or overdose because it:

answer

Activated charcoal works through adsorption, the process of one substance becoming attached to the surface of another. It binds with many poisons, reducing the amount of poison available for the body to absorb.

question

What should you be most concerned with when treating a child who ingested a caustic chemical and is beginning to vomit?

answer

Aspiration of the chemical. Ingested poisons pose a significant danger to patients due to the potential for regurgitation and aspiration. Caustic chemicals, for example, will cause much more damage to the delicate tissues of the lungs than to the lining of the stomach.

question

When arriving at the scene of an inhaled poisoning, your first priority is:

answer

keeping yourself safe. As with any emergency response, your first priority is your personal safety. You can help no one if you become a victim.

question

What is the usual dosage of activated charcoal?

answer

1 gram/kg

question

A class of drugs that affect the nervous system and changes many normal body activities legally used for pain relief is:

answer

narcotics

question

The two most common side effects of bronchodilators are patient jitteriness and

answer

Since many bronchodilators also have an effect on the heart, an increased heart rate and patient jitteriness are common side effects of treatment.

question

determine whether the patient has recently taken anything to treat erectile dysfunction, such as sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra), tadalafil (Cialis), or similar medication. If so, he should not take

answer

If so, he should not take nitroglycerin because of the possi- bility of a serious negative interaction with these drugs.

question

nitroglycerin

answer

causes a dilation of blood vessels, a drop in the patient's blood pres- sure is always a potential side effect of administration. If this should occur, you may also need to lay the patient flat as you contact medical direction again for advice.

EMT Chapter 23 Poisoning and Overdose Emergencies – Flashcards

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