The poisoned patient

Publication date: Available online 16 October 2019Source: Anaesthesia & Intensive Care MedicineAuthor(s): Nora Gonzalez, Fin O'SullivanAbstractPoisoning is a common reason for admission to the intensive care unit. The majority of patients are due to deliberate self-harm with common poisons; however, there are occasional unusual poisons which require more detailed assessment. Patients are often obtunded or unwilling to co-operate so a knowledge of toxidromes to recognize symptoms that are related to groups of drugs that act on receptors is essential. Management of poisoned patients is generally supportive, including measures to reduce absorption and increase elimination, as well as the use of specific antidotes and techniques to remove poisons.
Source: Anaesthesia and intensive care medicine - Category: Anesthesiology Source Type: research