Dr. Niru Prasad

GENERAL MANAGEMENT OF OVERDOSED PATIENT

History

Physical Examination

     Vital Signs

         Pulse:

               Tachycardia

               Bradycardia

               Irregular Pulse


          Blood Pressure:

               Hypertension

               Hypotension


          Respiration Rate:

               Tachypnea

               Respiratory Acidosis

               Respiratory Alkalosis


          Temperature:

               Hyperthermia

               Hypothermia


          Skin and Mucous Membrane:

               Burns

               Cyanosis

               Bullous Lesions

               Diaphoresis

               Jaundice

               Mouth Odors


          Neurologic Examination:

               Altered Mental Status


          Emesis:

               Pill Fragments

               Amount

               Hematemesis

1.   Substances causing hypertension and tachycardia:

          Anticholinergics

          PCP

          Alcohol withdrawal syndrome

          Sympathomimetics


2.   Substances causing hypotension:

          Hypotension and tachycardia

          Hypotension and bradycardia

3.   Substances causing bradycardia:


4.   Substances causing tachypnea:


5.   Substances causing hyperthermia:


6.   Substance abuse causing bullous lesions:

          Caustic agents

          Environmental hazards

          Sedative hypnotic agents


7.   Substances causing diaphoresis:

          Acetaminophen

          Salicylates

          Mushrooms


8.   Substances causing jaundice:

          Acetaminophen

          Carbon tetrachloride

          Amanita phalloides

          Iron


9.   Substances causing characteristics odors:


10.  Substances causing seizure activity:


11.  Substances causing eye changes:

          Mydriasis:

               Anticholinenpics

               Demerol

               Glutethimide

               Sympathomimetics


          Miosis:

               Cholinergics

               Insecticides

               Narcotics


12.  Toxins causing nystagmus:

          Sedative

          Hypnotics

          Alcohol

          PCP

          Dilantin


13.  Radio pagne substances that may be detected by

     plain x-rays:

          Barium

          Enteric coated tablets

          Antihistamines

          Heavy metals


14.  Methods to enhance drug excretion:

          Diuresis

          Dialysis

          Hemoperfusion

          Multiple doses of activated charcoal

          Plasmapheresis and exchange transfusion


15.  Antidotes and their doses:


Partial Listing Of Non-Toxic Substances:

     Household Products:

          Ballpoint pens inks

          Bath oil

          Candles

          Magic markers


     Soaps and detergents:

          Cosmetics

          Chalk - clays

          Miscellaneous


Complications of Overdose:

     Respiratory

     Cardiovascular

     Neurologic

     Myoglobinuria

     Renal failure

     Miscellaneous:

          Acid haze disorder

          Decubitus ulcers

          Hypothermia

          Sepsis