TIPS IN CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY....continued

More interesting information and tips in Clinical
Toxicology...not covered on the previous blog.


Q: What is a common CHIEF COMPLAINT in CARBON MONOXIDE poisoning?


A: FLU-LIKE SYMPTOMS...It's a red herring. Typically it's winter, the entire
family can be ill with headache/nasal congestion/lightheadedness.
These symptoms tends to improve when patient goes outside.
100 % O2.... decreases half-life of CO from 5hrs. to 1 hr.



Q: What finding correlates most closely with the degree of TCA (Tricyclic antidepressant)
overdose?

A: QRS PROLONGATION on the EKG correlates most closely with the severity of
overdose. TCA's cause tachycardia, along with PR/QT prolongation and V. Tach
and V.Fib as well.



Q: Consumption of which ALCOHOL causes a SWEET ODOR of breath and KETONURIA?

A: METHANOL(Rubbing Alcohol)....is the second most common alcohol to cause OD.
It's chief metabolite is ACETONE, that causes the sweet odor/cns effects and ketonuria.




LIST OF COMMON POISONS AND THEIR ANTIDOTE(S)...


IRON---------------------------------DESFEROXAMINE

ORGANOPHOSPATES---------------ATROPINE, PRALIDOXIME

ETHYLENE GLYCOL----------------ALCOHOL(IV)

BENZODIAZEPINES-----------------FLUMAZENIL (Mazicon)

NITRATES---------------------------METHYLENE BLUE

ACETAMINOPHEN------------------N-ACETYLCYSTEINE



Thanks again for your time...we'll continue soon. STUDY HARD !!!