Transcript Chapter 10
Chapter 10 Poison Control Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning® 1 Introduction • What is a poison? – Substance taken into the body by ingestion, inhalation, injection, or absorption that interferes with normal physiological functions • In some cases, only a small amount of a substance can cause severe tissue damage directly (e.g., corrosives) • In other cases, the substance can be beneficial in small amounts, but lethal in excessive amounts (e.g., overdose of medication) Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning® 2 Introduction (cont’d.) • What should be done if poisoning is suspected? – Best policy: contact a Poison Control Center directly, or through an emergency care facility • Instructions can be given by phone for appropriate emergency treatment based on the type of poison and the patient’s condition, age, and size Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning® 3 Poisoning by Ingestion • Most common type of poisoning – Highest risk: children between the ages of one and five • Before 2004, it was recommended that the emetic ipecac syrup be given to induce vomiting • Now a topic of concern and no longer recommended Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning® 4 Poisoning by Ingestion (cont’d.) • What are the concerns regarding ipecac? – Outcomes failed to justify its effectiveness – Adverse effects, such as persistent vomiting could interfere with other treatment – Evidence of widespread abuse of ipecac by people with anorexia and bulimia Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning® 5 Poisoning by Ingestion (cont’d.) • First step to take in any poisoning – Contact the local Poison Control Center • Number can be obtained by calling the national toll-free Poison Control number: 1-800-222-1222 – Be prepared to give details regarding the poison and the age, weight, and health status of the individual who took the poison, as well as allergies Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning® 6 Poisoning by Ingestion (cont’d.) • Vomiting could be injurious and should be avoided under certain conditions – Ingestion of corrosive substances, volatile petroleum products, and convulsants – If patient is semiconscious, inebriated, in shock, convulsing, or has no gag reflex – If patient is less than one year old or has cardiac or vascular disease • Patient should be immediately transported Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning® 7 Poisoning by Ingestion (cont’d.) • Antidotes may be required in poisoning with CNS depressants – Gastric lavage is no longer recommended • Cautions for personnel caring for poisoning victims – Be sure to save emesis – Closely monitor the vital signs – Observe closely for confusion, tremors, convulsions, visual disturbances, etc. Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning® 8 Poisoning by Inhalation • Requires symptomatic treatment – Fresh air, oxygen, and CPR if indicated • Example: carbon monoxide poisoning – Quickly robs tissues of vital oxygen – High percentage oxygen therapy or even oxygen under pressure (hyperbaric oxygen) in severe cases may be needed Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning® 9 External Poisoning of Skin or Eyes • What type of treatment is needed? – External poisons should be flushed from the skin for 20 minutes or eyes for 30 minutes with a continuous stream of water – Patient should be transported to an emergency care facility for further treatment as required – Systemic absorption of poisons through the skin may require administration of an antidote Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning® 10 Poisoning by Sting and Snakebite • What type of treatment is needed? – Poisoning by insect sting should be treated by cleansing the area, removing the stinger, and applying an icepack to the site – Watch for possible anaphylactic reaction in case of allergy • CPR and administration of epinephrine and corticosteroids may be required • Transport to an emergency care facility immediately if indicated Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning® 11 Poisoning by Sting and Snakebite (cont’d.) – Do not apply ice or apply a tourniquet to a snakebite • Venom is very irritating and may cause sloughing of the tissues • Keep the patient quiet in order to slow circulation, and transport the patient, lying down, to an emergency care facility for antivenom injections Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning® 12 People at Risk • Poisonings are the leading cause of health emergencies for children – Major cause of death because of natural curiosity and active lifestyle • Keep all chemicals in a locked cupboard • Be vigilant when visiting with older adult friends or relatives • Be aware that the most common sources for poisoning in children under six are cosmetics and personal care products Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning® 13 People at Risk (cont’d.) • Health care practitioners – Can play a major role in reducing the number of accidental poisonings in children by stressing preventive measures to parents • Older adults are also at risk – Overdoses of medication – Toxic reactions from medications – Impaired vision Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning® 14 People at Risk (cont’d.) • Obtain the number of the nearest Poison Control Center – The wrong treatment is often more dangerous than none – Also good source of information regarding poisonous plants, insects, snakes, reptiles, and poisonous marine organisms such as stingray and jellyfish Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning® 15