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Questions and Answers
What is the most accurate definition of substance abuse?
What is the most accurate definition of substance abuse?
Knowingly misusing a substance to produce a desired effect.
In a situation where a 26-year-old woman has taken a large number of pills, which course of action takes priority?
In a situation where a 26-year-old woman has taken a large number of pills, which course of action takes priority?
- Have her take activated charcoal while she is conscious. (correct)
- Administer naloxone
- Call for backup
- Beg her to stay awake
Why are injected poisons usually difficult to dilute or remove?
Why are injected poisons usually difficult to dilute or remove?
They are usually absorbed quickly into the body.
What is a person who routinely misuses a substance and requires increasing amounts to achieve the same effect likely experiencing?
What is a person who routinely misuses a substance and requires increasing amounts to achieve the same effect likely experiencing?
What are signs and symptoms of a sympathomimetic drug overdose?
What are signs and symptoms of a sympathomimetic drug overdose?
Which medical problems may cause the patient to present as intoxicated, EXCEPT?
Which medical problems may cause the patient to present as intoxicated, EXCEPT?
When transporting a patient who ingested a full bottle of amitriptyline, what should you be most alert for?
When transporting a patient who ingested a full bottle of amitriptyline, what should you be most alert for?
Which of the following is NOT a common name for activated charcoal?
Which of the following is NOT a common name for activated charcoal?
What should an EMT do for an unresponsive patient who overdosed on heroin?
What should an EMT do for an unresponsive patient who overdosed on heroin?
What should you be concerned about when caring for a known alcoholic patient with severe trauma?
What should you be concerned about when caring for a known alcoholic patient with severe trauma?
What should be done for a patient unresponsive from a hydrocodone overdose?
What should be done for a patient unresponsive from a hydrocodone overdose?
Of the four avenues of poisoning, generally ___________ is the most worrisome in terms of treatment to the EMS provider.
Of the four avenues of poisoning, generally ___________ is the most worrisome in terms of treatment to the EMS provider.
Which statement regarding the Salmonella bacterium is correct?
Which statement regarding the Salmonella bacterium is correct?
The recommended treatment for absorbed or contact poisons includes _________.
The recommended treatment for absorbed or contact poisons includes _________.
What should be done upon entering a residence of a potential overdose patient?
What should be done upon entering a residence of a potential overdose patient?
Why is activated charcoal administered to patients who have ingested certain substances?
Why is activated charcoal administered to patients who have ingested certain substances?
Activated charcoal may be indicated for a patient who ingested?
Activated charcoal may be indicated for a patient who ingested?
What should an EMT administer to a 4-year-old who ingested an unknown quantity of acetaminophen?
What should an EMT administer to a 4-year-old who ingested an unknown quantity of acetaminophen?
Which set of vital signs would the EMT MOST likely encounter in a patient with acute cocaine overdose?
Which set of vital signs would the EMT MOST likely encounter in a patient with acute cocaine overdose?
What do victims of inhaled poisoning require?
What do victims of inhaled poisoning require?
Which question would be LEAST pertinent during the initial questioning of a patient who ingested a substance?
Which question would be LEAST pertinent during the initial questioning of a patient who ingested a substance?
After administering activated charcoal to a patient, what is MOST important?
After administering activated charcoal to a patient, what is MOST important?
What effect do 'nerve gases' have on the body?
What effect do 'nerve gases' have on the body?
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Study Notes
Substance Abuse and Toxicology Basics
- Definition of substance abuse: Knowingly misusing substances for desired effects.
- Importance of activated charcoal in treatment: Binds to substances, preventing their absorption.
Emergency Response to Overdoses
- In suspected overdose cases, prioritize consciousness and safety, such as administering activated charcoal when the patient is alert.
- Signs of intoxication may be confused with medical conditions like syncope; understanding what symptoms overlap is crucial.
Poisoning and Treatment Protocols
- Injected poisons rapidly absorb into the body, making them difficult to treat or remove.
- Administer activated charcoal for certain ingestions, but it is contraindicated in cases of unresponsiveness or specific toxins like alkali.
Recognizing Drug Overdoses
- Sympathomimetic drug overdoses show tachycardia as a primary symptom.
- Heroin overdoses may result in unresponsiveness, bradycardia, and shallow breathing; act quickly with ventilation support.
Considerations in Trauma and Alcoholism
- Heavy alcohol use can impair blood clotting, increasing the risk of profuse internal bleeding in trauma cases.
- Always ensure ventilation support for severely intoxicated patients, especially when demonstrating low respiratory rates and weak pulses.
Specific Poisons and Bacterial Infections
- The Salmonella bacterium is directly responsible for causing food poisoning.
- Treatment of absorbed poisons focuses on safe removal or dilution of the toxin involved.
Pediatric Considerations in Poisoning Cases
- For a 4-year-old who ingested acetaminophen, administer 15 g of activated charcoal while monitoring for any signs of distress.
Vital Signs and Symptoms of Overdose
- Cocaine overdose can present vital signs such as elevated blood pressure (200/100 mm Hg) and a fast pulse (150 beats/min).
- Be particularly vigilant for signs of vomiting after administering activated charcoal, as it can complicate treatment.
Safety and Environment
- When entering a scene of potential overdose, assess for personal hazards to ensure the safety of the responder and the patient.
- Initial questions to patients should focus on substance specifics rather than motivations for use, which may not impact immediate treatment.
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