Questions and Answers
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?
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?
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What are signs and symptoms of a sympathomimetic drug overdose?
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Which medical problems may cause the patient to present as intoxicated, EXCEPT?
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When transporting a patient who ingested a full bottle of amitriptyline, what should you be most alert for?
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Which of the following is NOT a common name for activated charcoal?
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What should an EMT do for an unresponsive patient who overdosed on heroin?
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What should you be concerned about when caring for a known alcoholic patient with severe trauma?
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What should be done for a patient unresponsive from a hydrocodone overdose?
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Of the four avenues of poisoning, generally ___________ is the most worrisome in terms of treatment to the EMS provider.
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Which statement regarding the Salmonella bacterium is correct?
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The recommended treatment for absorbed or contact poisons includes _________.
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What should be done upon entering a residence of a potential overdose patient?
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Why is activated charcoal administered to patients who have ingested certain substances?
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Activated charcoal may be indicated for a patient who ingested?
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What should an EMT administer to a 4-year-old who ingested an unknown quantity of acetaminophen?
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Which set of vital signs would the EMT MOST likely encounter in a patient with acute cocaine overdose?
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What do victims of inhaled poisoning require?
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Which question would be LEAST pertinent during the initial questioning of a patient who ingested a substance?
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After administering activated charcoal to a patient, what is MOST important?
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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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Description
Test your knowledge of toxicology with these flashcards covering substance abuse and emergency response scenarios. Each card presents critical definitions and real-life situations that require understanding of toxicological principles.
