Emergent Care / Stabilization:
Call Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222.
First 1 minute: Assess the patient for vital sign abnormalities that are life-threatening and correct them with cardiovascular or respiratory support. Pay particular attention to airway, pulse rate, and blood pressure stability.
Diagnosis Overview:
Care of a patient with an actual or suspected overdose or exposure can be very complicated and nuanced. An organized approach that addresses major decision points will assist the bedside doctor to identify priorities and stabilize the patient in most circumstances.
Suspected poisoning
Alerts and Notices
Synopsis
Codes
ICD10CM:
Z03.6 – Encounter for observation for suspected toxic effect from ingested substance ruled out
SNOMEDCT:
75478009 – Poisoning
Z03.6 – Encounter for observation for suspected toxic effect from ingested substance ruled out
SNOMEDCT:
75478009 – Poisoning
Look For
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Diagnostic Pearls
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
The differential for presentations thought to be drug, alcohol, or exposure related includes:
- Abnormalities of glucose (eg, hypoglycemia can present in dramatic and subtle ways).
- Abnormalities of thyroid hormone.
- Abnormalities of electrolytes (eg, sodium and magnesium).
- Abnormalities of ventilation (eg, hypercarbia and hypoxia).
- Central infection (eg, meningitis, encephalitis).
- Traumatically injured patients.
Best Tests
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Management Pearls
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Therapy
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References
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Last Reviewed:06/19/2023
Last Updated:07/23/2023
Last Updated:07/23/2023