3 Toxicity & Poisoning

Liver injury from drugs

Hepatotoxicity assessed by monitoring for fever, nausea, jaundice, and elevated liver function tests, with intervention being discontinuation of medication

Renal injury from drugs

Nephrotoxicity assessed by monitoring changes in urine output and elevated BUN and creatinine, with interventions including dose reduction or discontinuation

Teratogenicity

Ability of a drug to cause developmental abnormalities or birth defects in a developing fetus

Drug overdose

Excessive dose of medication that damages multiple body systems and can lead to fatal reactions, with treatment varying by substance

Response to adverse events protocol

Process including baseline physical assessment and vital signs before medication, stopping medication when adverse effect identified, and notifying provider