Authors: Samantha Mills, Thomas Webster / Editor: Andrew Tabner, Graham Johnson / Reviewer: Samantha Mills / Codes: EnvC7, PhC2, PhC3, PhC4, PhC5, PhP2, SaC1, SaC3, SaP1, SaP2, SLO2, SLO3, XC3 / Published: 24/12/2022
A 45-year-old female attends the Emergency Department (ED) after having taken one and a half caps (approx. 50ml) of Ethanediol antifreeze, ingested approximately 7 hours prior to presentation.
The patient presents with mild light headedness but no other systemic symptoms. The ingestion was a pre-planned attempt to self-harm following recent exacerbating negative factors affecting her mental health.
On presentation she is haemodynamically stable, objectively and subjectively of low mood with persistent suicidal ideation. Examination in the Emergency Department returns normal findings.
Aside from ingesting antifreeze, the patient has taken her regular medication and no alcohol.
Module Content
Paediatric Toxicology Considerations
This module explores the presentations of children to the ED by concerned parents after a potential ingestion of a substance is common.
Toxicology - Induction
You've just arrived for your first ED shift, excited to be allocated to resus. The red phone rings. A 45-year-old female, amitriptyline overdose, P120, BP85/45, GCS 5, ETA 5 minutes.
Antifreeze. To drink or not to drink?
A 20-year-old female was brought into the ED as a pre-alert call. She had been found unresponsive in her room at a psychiatric unit.
9 Comments
Some challenging questions that will require access to toxbase to answer
New information about the dose of the antidote.
Useful information
Did this case after discussion about a patient regularly ingesting anti-freeze. Definitely learned something new.
good case
Good case overview
hard ones especially dosages
Excellent module and a good reminder. Very robust and with a good structure- medical issue, symptoms and signs, management, and ongoing care advise. Thank you for this module!
good learning points