Handling Poison Ingestion in Children

These flashcards cover essential information related to handling cases of poisoning in children, including symptoms, treatment steps, and necessary precautions.

What should you always maintain when dealing with a child who has ingested a poisonous substance?

A calm, professional attitude to ease family tension.

What is crucial to avoid when a child has been exposed to a poisonous substance?

Judging the patient or the parents/caregivers.

What should you look for to determine the nature of the poison?

Objects that may provide clues, such as overturned bottles, needles, or pill fragments.

What is important to collect and take to the hospital in a poisoning case?

Any suspicious materials and drug containers.

What vital information can a pill bottle label provide in a poisoning incident?

The name, concentration, ingredients, original number of pills, manufacturer, and prescribed dose.

What are some signs and symptoms of opiate overdose?

Hypoventilation, pinpoint pupils, sedation, coma, and hypotension.

What symptoms are associated with sympathomimetic overdose?

Hypertension, tachycardia, dilated pupils, agitation, hyperthermia, and slurred speech.

What acronym summarizes the symptoms of cholinergic poisoning?

SLUDGEM: Salivation, Lacrimation, Urination, Defecation, Gastric upset, Emesis, Muscle twitching.

What personal protective equipment should you wear when examining vomit for pill fragments?

Proper personal protective equipment (PPE).

What should you note and document if the patient vomits?

Anything unusual in the contents.