Toxicology Practice Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering the four ways poisons enter the body, specific drug categories, signs of toxicity, and specific poison syndromes based on the lecture notes.

Toxicology

The study of poisons, drugs, and toxins and how they affect the body.

Poisons

Substances that can harm the body when swallowed, inhaled, injected, or absorbed.

Toxins

Poisons produced by living organisms, such as plants, animals, or bacteria.

Ingestion

A way poisons enter the body by being swallowed; examples include medications, household cleaners, and food poisoning.

Inhalation

A way poisons enter the body by being breathed into the lungs, such as carbon monoxide, smoke, or chemical fumes.

Injection

A way poisons enter the body through needles, snake bites, or insect stings; signs include needle marks, swelling, or allergic reactions.

Absorption

A way poisons enter the body through the skin, often involving pesticides or industrial chemicals.

Alcohols

A category of toxicology emergencies including Ethanol (drinking alcohol), Methanol, and Ethylene glycol (antifreeze).

Opioids

A class of drugs including Fentanyl, morphine, oxycodone, and heroin; signs include pinpoint pupils, respiratory depression, and decreased level of consciousness ($LOC$).

Naloxone

A treatment for opioid overdose used if allowed, along with airway management, oxygen, and $BVM$ if needed.

Stimulants

Drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine, and $MDMA$ (ecstasy) that cause fast $HR$, high $BP$, dilated pupils, and sweating.

Sedatives (Depressants)

Medications like xanax, valium, ativan, and sleeping pills that cause drowsiness, slow breathing, and low $BP$.

Hallucinogens

Substances like $LSD$, psilocybin (shrooms), $PCP$, and ketamine that cause hallucinations, anxiety, dilated pupils, and agitation.

Carbon Monoxide

A gas with no color, no smell, and no taste; signs include headache, dizziness, and confusion, often affecting multiple family members simultaneously.

Cholinergic Poisoning

Poisoning commonly caused by Organophosphate pesticides or nerve agents that results in the body being "wet" (saliva, tears, urine, and vomit) and pinpoint pupils.

SLUDGE

A mnemonic used for cholinergic poisoning signs: Salivation, Lacrimation, Urination, Defecation, Gastrointestinal upset, and Emesis.

Anaphylaxis

A severe allergic reaction caused by bee stings, medication, or food, characterized by swelling, wheezing, and hives; treated with Epinephrine.

Withdrawal

A condition occurring when drugs or alcohol are stopped suddenly, characterized by tremors, sweating, anxiety, and seizures.

Inhalants

Substances like paint, glue, and aerosol sprays that, when inhaled, cause dizziness, confusion, and euphoria.

Snake Venom

An animal toxin that causes pain, swelling, and shock.

Spider Toxins

Substances that cause pain, muscle cramps, and tissue damage.