POISONING Poisoning Can Be Either Intentional Or Unintentional. Poisons
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Oklahoma State Department of Health 01-2018 Revised POISONING Poisoning can be either intentional or unintentional. Poisons can enter the body through ingestion, injection, inhalation or absorption. Prescription and non-prescription medications, household products, toxic gases and certain foods are the most common causes of poisoning but any substance taken in sufficient quantity can be harmful. History: Name, amount and location of substance, if known Time frame since poisoning How it entered the body Intentional (suicidal gesture) or unintentional if known Pregnancy status Medications Assessment: Obtain vital signs Assess for: o Level of consciousness, respiratory and circulatory status o Pregnancy or possibly of pregnancy-important for poison control reporting o Pupil size and reaction to light or visual changes o Pain such as headache or abdominal o Potential burn injuries Record symptoms including burn injuries around/in mouth or skin Treatment: Call the National Poison Control Center - 1-800-222-1222 (provide vitals, symptoms and exposure type) Follow the instructions of emergency personal or poison control. DO NOT try to induce vomiting unless instructed to do so. Keep the client comfortable and assist to a resting position on the left side in case of seizure. Call EMS: Any individual who has been exposed to a toxic substance and is confused, unconscious or has abnormal vital signs Contact Law Enforcement: Any individual who intentionally exposes himself/herself or another person to a harmful substance Reference Heller, Jacob L. (January 31, 2017). Poisoning First Aid. MedlinePlus. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007579.htm Poisoning Oklahoma State Department of Health 01-2018 Revised This Page Intentionally Left Blank Poisoning .