1. Chapter Poisoning and Overdose Emergencies Seventeen

3. Poison K EY TERM Any substance that can harm the body

4. INHALATION INJECTION INGESTION ABSORPTION Drain Cleaners Rat Poison Lye Sprays Cleaning Fluid Drugs Household Cleaners Insecticides Four Routes of Poisoning

8. I NGESTED POISONS

10. Patient CARE Ingested Poisons Emergency Care Steps

11. Gather information. Remove pills from patient’s mouth carefully. Consult medical direction: Administer activated charcoal?

12. Administer activated charcoal as directed. Position patient for vomiting. Save all vomitus. Have suction equipment ready.

14. Trade Names: SuperChar, InstaChar, LiquiChar

21. Sometimes it is very difficult to convince a patient to drink a premixed solution of activated charcoal. It looks like mud. Giving a covered container and straw to the patient may make it easier to drink. It is important to acknowledge any fear or apprehension your patient is experiencing. Your calm, professional demeanor helps you gain a patient’s trust and respect in your ability to administer medication in the appropriate manner. Remember, too, that activated charcoal may be given to the patient while en route to the receiving facility. P RECEPTOR P EARL

22. I NHALED POISONS

25. Patient CARE Inhaled Poisons Emergency Care Steps

26. Have patient removed from the hazardous environment. Establish an open airway.

27. Maintain airway and administer oxygen. Remove any contaminated clothing.

28. Consult medical direction. Transport the patient.

30. I NJECTED POISONS

34. A BSORBED POISONS

36. Patient CARE Absorbed Poisons Emergency Care Steps

37. Brush powders from patient. Remove patient from source without contaminating yourself.

38. Remove contaminated clothing and other articles. Irrigate with clear water for at least 20 minutes.

40. When treating a poisoned or overdosed patient whose airway is patent, be prepared for deterioration and the need to secure airway. Airway Management in Poisoning Emergencies

41. 1. What are the ways patients can be poisoned? 2. What is the most common inhaled poison, and how is it treated? 3. What are the indications for, contraindications for, and manner of administering activated charcoal? R EVIEW QUESTIONS