Oklahoma State Department of Health 01-2018 Revised

POISONING

Poisoning can be either intentional or unintentional. Poisons can enter the body through , , inhalation or absorption. Prescription and non-prescription , household products, toxic gases and certain 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 such as headache or abdominal o Potential burn injuries  Record symptoms including burn injuries around/in mouth or

Treatment:

 Call the National - 1-800-222-1222 (provide vitals, symptoms and exposure type)  Follow the instructions of emergency personal or poison control. DO NOT try to induce unless instructed to do so.  Keep the client comfortable and assist to a resting position on the left side in case of .

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 . 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