Chapter 18Poisoning

Poisons

• Types− Ingested− Inhaled− Injected− Absorbed (contact)

• Forms− Solids− Liquids− Sprays− Gases

Poisons Found in the Home

• Antifreeze and windshield washer

• Some medicines• Corrosive cleaners• Fuels• Pesticides

© Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Ingested Poisons: What to Do

• Call Poison Help 1-800-222-1222.• Follow their directions.

Courtesy of the American Association of Poison Control Centers. To locateyour local poison center call 1 (800) 222-1222 or visit aapcc.org.

Ingested Poisons: What to Do

• Place the person on his or her left side.• Monitor breathing; if it stops, give CPR.

© American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Alcohol Emergencies

• Alcohol is a depressant.• Alcohol affects a

person’s:− Judgment− Vision− Reaction time− Coordination

• Can cause death© Doug Menuez/Photodisc/Getty.

Alcohol Intoxication: What to Look For

• Odor of alcohol on breath or clothing

• Unsteadiness• Slurred speech • Inability to carry on

a conversation

• Nausea and vomiting

• Flushed face• Seizures

Drug Classifications

• Uppers (stimulants)• Downers (depressants)• Hallucinogens• Inhalants

Depressants

• Easy to obtain• People sometimes solicit prescriptions

from several physicians.• Includes:

− Opiates− Sedative-hypnotics

Opiate Overdose: What to Look For

• Reduced breathing rate• Pinpoint pupils• Sedated condition and unresponsiveness

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

• Carbon monoxide is:− Odorless− Colorless− Nonirritating− Produced by the incomplete combustion of

carbon-based fuels

Carbon Monoxide Sources

• Cars• Cigarettes• Faulty furnaces• Water heaters

• Kerosene heaters• Open-flame fires• Charcoal grills• Hibachi grills

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: What to Look For

• Headache• Ringing in ears• Chest pain• Muscle weakness• Nausea, vomiting• Dizziness

• Unresponsiveness• Respiratory and

cardiac arrest• Cherry-red skin

and lips

Plant-Induced Dermatitis

• About 85% of the population is sensitive to poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac.

• The resin of these plants is a colorless or slightly yellow, light oil.− Spreads by direct contact− Can stay active for months or years

Plant-Induced Dermatitis: What to Do

• If within 1 hour of an exposure− Gently wipe skin with rubbing alcohol.− Wash skin with soap and cold water. Rinse

with cold water.− Do not use gasoline.

Plant-Induced Dermatitis: What to Do

• For mild reaction (itching):− Apply any of the following:

• Colloidal oatmeal bath• Baking soda paste• Calamine lotion• Aluminum acetate solution• Physician-prescribed medication• Over-the-counter hydrocortisone