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Toxicology of Common Poisonous Substances Study Guide

This guide explores the significant medical consequences associated with chronic alcohol abuse. It details the toxic effects on various organ systems, including the brain, liver, and digestive tract. The guide also covers critical alcohol-related emergencies such as acute intoxication, withdrawal syndrome, and Delirium Tremens, providing essential information for understanding the health risks.

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Toxicology and Substance Abuse Management

Introduction to Medical Toxicology

Paramedics provide prehospital care for patients experiencing unintentional or intentional toxicologic emergencies involving medications, over-the-counter substances, supplements, or preparations for pleasurable purposes.

  • Unintentional toxicological emergency
  • Intentional poisoning
  • Routes of absorption
  • Poisoning by ingestion
  • Poisoning by inhalation
  • Poisoning by injection
  • Toxidromes
  • Scene safety

Overview of Substance Abuse and Alcoholism

An overview of substance abuse definitions, basic terms of abuse, and the characteristics of alcoholism.

  • Substance abuse definition
  • Drug abuse
  • Habituation
  • Physical dependence
  • Psychological dependence
  • Tolerance
  • Withdrawal syndrome
  • Drug addiction
  • Antagonist
  • Potentiation
  • Alcoholism
  • Problem drinking
  • True addiction

Medical Consequences of Alcohol Abuse

Medical consequences of alcohol abuse include toxic effects on the central nervous system, digestive system, and liver, alongside alcohol-related emergencies.

  • Toxic effects of alcohol
  • Central nervous system damage
  • Cerebellum damage
  • Peripheral nerve damage
  • Gastritis
  • Liver complications
  • Coagulopathies
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Acute pancreatitis
  • Pneumonia
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Acute alcohol intoxication
  • Respiratory depression
  • Aspiration
  • Alcohol withdrawal seizures
  • Delirium tremens
  • Hypotension

Toxicology Assessment and Management

Assessment and management approaches for patients involving poisonings, overdoses, and medical conditions.

  • OPQRST
  • SAMPLE history
  • Vital signs
  • Physical examination
  • Scene assessment
  • Initial assessment
  • Airway, breathing, and circulation
  • Nature of illness
  • Trauma assessment
  • Ongoing assessment
  • ALS prehospital care
  • Supplemental oxygen
  • Vascular access

Clinical Presentation and Management of Substance Abuse

Toxicology of Stimulants, Cannabinoids, and Hallucinogens

Clinical presentation, effects, and management of stimulants, marijuana, cannabinoids, and hallucinogens.

  • Stimulants
  • Cocaine
  • Crack cocaine
  • Speedballing
  • Amphetamines
  • Methamphetamine
  • Cannabis sativa
  • Delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol
  • Hallucinogens
  • LSD
  • Synesthesias
  • Phencyclidine (PCP)
  • Dissociative anaesthetic
  • Ketamine
  • Psilocybin mushrooms

Sedatives, Hypnotics, and Toxicology Management

Sedatives and hypnotics function primarily as CNS depressants used to reduce anxiety, treat seizures, or act as sleep aids.

  • Sedatives and Hypnotics
  • CNS depressants
  • Barbiturates
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB)
  • Tolerance and withdrawal syndrome
  • Clinical effects of benzodiazepines
  • Prehospital care for overdose
  • Airway protection and ventilatory support
  • Amitriptyline

Narcotics, Opiates, and Opioids Overview

This content discusses the divisions of narcotics, clinical effects of opioids, management of overdose, and the Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale.

  • Narcotics divisions
  • Opiate and opioid properties
  • Opioid toxicity presentation
  • Naloxone administration
  • Buprenorphine/Naloxone pharmacology
  • Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS)
  • Opioid withdrawal management

Assessment and Management of Toxic Exposures

Toxicology of Common Poisonous Substances

This content examines the characteristics, signs, symptoms, and prehospital treatment for carbon monoxide, chlorine gas, cyanide, and pesticides.

  • Carbon Monoxide poisoning
  • Hemoglobin affinity
  • Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
  • Chlorine Gas exposure
  • Cyanide toxicity
  • Cytochrome oxidase inhibition
  • Pesticide toxicity
  • Organophosphates and carbamates
  • Acetylcholine release
  • Prehospital assessment and management

Toxicology of Plants, Mushrooms, and Household Products

This content covers poisonous plants, mushrooms, over-the-counter products, caustics, metals, and hydrocarbons.

  • Poisonous plants
  • Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals
  • Cardiac glycosides
  • Poisonous mushrooms
  • Acetaminophen overdose
  • N-acetylcysteine antidote
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Salicylates
  • Caustics
  • Strong acids and strong alkalis
  • Dermal and ocular exposure
  • Anhydrous ammonia
  • Iron poisoning
  • Hydrocarbon inhalation and ingestion

Toxicology and Prehospital Management

Information regarding toxic alcohols, cardiac, psychiatric, and opioid medications, as well as arthropod bites, stings, and snakebites.

  • Toxic Alcohols
  • Methyl alcohol
  • Cardiac Medications
  • Antiarrhythmics
  • Beta blockers
  • Calcium channel blockers
  • Cardiac glycosides
  • Psychiatric Medications
  • Lithium
  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
  • Serotonin syndrome
  • Tricyclic antidepressants
  • Arthropod Bites and Stings
  • Scorpion stings
  • Spider bites
  • Hymenoptera stings
  • Snakebites
  • Pit vipers
  • Tick bites
  • Lyme disease

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