Management of Acute Poisoning
Start with the big picture
Management begins with airway, breathing, circulation, neurologic status, and environmental exposure, addressing urgent problems such as hypoxia, hypoglycemia, and temperature disturbance. A focused history—covering the suspected substance, amount, timing, and co-ingestants—combined with examination for toxidromes helps guide the workup. Laboratory tests, ECG, and selected drug levels can support assessment. Decontamination choices depend on the exposure and patient’s condition; some methods are unsuitable in particular circumstances. Antidotes are considered when indicated, while urinary alkalinization, multiple-dose charcoal, or extracorporeal removal may help in selected poisonings. Monitoring, disposition, documentation, and expert consultation complete the broader management pathway.
What you'll learn
- Apply ABCDE priorities to initial stabilization of a poisoned patient.
- Identify key history and examination findings, including features of toxidromes.
- Describe the role of laboratory testing, ECG, and selected drug levels.
- Compare gastrointestinal decontamination and enhanced-elimination approaches.
- Recognize the place of antidotes, monitoring, and consultation in care.
Continue your study
Work through the complete notes and reinforce the topic with the study tools available in the full lesson.
