Poisoning is an injury or illness caused when an individual ingests or absorbs a toxic substance. Poisoning can range from mild to life-threatening and can occur accidentally or intentionally. Healthcare professionals need to recognize the signs and symptoms of poisoning and to understand the appropriate treatment and management of the condition.
Assessment: When assessing a patient who may have been poisoned, healthcare professionals should first assess the airway, breathing, and circulation and then perform a complete physical exam. They should also inquire about the patient’s medical history and any exposures to toxic substances. It is important to ask specific questions about the source of poisoning, the route of exposure, the amount of the substance ingested, and the time of ingestion. Vital signs should be monitored to assess for hypoglycemia, hyperthermia, tachycardia, and hypertension. Laboratory tests may be ordered to assess for the presence of toxins in the blood, urine, or other bodily fluids.
Symptoms: The poisoning symptoms depend on the type of toxin, the amount of the substance ingested, and the route of exposure. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, sweating, confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, and vision disturbances.
First Aid: Immediate first aid for poisoning includes calling 911 and providing supportive care. If the patient is conscious, the healthcare professional should ask them to swallow activated charcoal to absorb the poison. If the patient is unconscious, the healthcare professional should not give anything by mouth and should perform rescue breathing if necessary. It is important to collect any remaining poison in the patient’s mouth or vomit and bring it to the emergency department. Treatment
Treatment for poisoning may include supportive care, decontamination, and administration of antidotes or medications. Supportive care may include intravenous fluids, oxygen, and gastric lavage. Decontamination involves removing the poison from the patient’s skin and clothing and may include removing the patient’s clothing, washing the skin with soap and water, and rinsing the eyes with saline. Antidotes are medications that can neutralize the effects of the poison and should be administered as soon as possible after the poisoning.
Medications may also be administered to treat other poisoning symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Medication Medications used to treat poisoning may include activated charcoal, laxatives, antacids, antiemetics, and antidotes. Activated charcoal is used to absorb the poison in the gastrointestinal tract. Laxatives are used to help move the poison through the gastrointestinal tract. Antacids and antiemetics are used to treat nausea and vomiting. Antidotes are specific medications that can neutralize the effects of the poison and should be administered as soon as possible after the poisoning.
