Patient Assessment

The following key questions should be asked in a focused history:

  • What and how much was the patient exposed to (volume and concentration)?
  • What was the route of exposure (inhalation, skin exposure or immersion)?
  • What protective measures were taken?
  • What treatment was given?

From the above factors, the likely effects and clinical course may be predicted:

  • For all poisoned patients, once decontaminated, the focus is on resuscitation and support of vital functions
  • Most poisons do not have antidotes and so standard resuscitative principles will apply
  • The only exception is a known poisoning with paraquat where excess oxygen can increase long term pulmonary fibrosis – however the patient should not be allowed to be excessively hypoxic as this too can be fatal
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