N213: Health Differences Across the Life Span 3

N213: Health Differences Across the Lifespan 3 Study Guide

©2017 Achieve Test Prep Page 153 of 204 Accidental Poisoning This can be caused by accidentally ingesting, inhaling, or injecting a substance that can harm the body. It also includes chemicals or poisons on the skin. Children are the largest group affected by accidental poisonings and Tylenol, aspirin, insecticides, paints, cleaners, plants, and cosmetics are the most common substances to cause poisoning. It is the fourth leading cause of death in children in the United States. Work exposure is the most common cause of poisoning in adults, but can also include plant poisoning on the skin or by mouth, drugs, chemical ingestion, or improper food handling and storage. The danger of poisoning depends on the substance, quantity, and how it entered the body. Some poisons are metabolized and excreted faster than others. Different drugs react differently in varying amounts, and it may only take a small amount to cause an overdose or toxic situation. Poisoning complications can be as severe as death, but most often cause cardiac arrhythmias, coma, and seizures. Signs and symptoms of accidental poisoning: • Flushed pink skin: cyanide, phenothiazines, and carbon monoxide • Kussmaul’s respirations: salicylates and alcohol • Seizures: amphetamines, propoxyphene, alcohol, salicylates, and carbon monoxide • Coma: salicylates, barbiturates, and carbon monoxide • Hematemesis: salicylates • Constricted pupils: morphine, propoxyphene, and barbiturates • Dry mouth: morphine, phenothiazines, antihistamines, and tricyclic antidepressants • Delirium/agitation: amphetamines, alcohol, and barbiturates • Diarrhea/vomiting/nausea: digitalis, heavy metals, salicylates, morphine, and alcohol • Extrapyramidal tremors: prochlorperazine/phenothiazines • Diaphoresis: insulin and alcohol • Pupil dilation: amphetamines, meperidine, cocaine, and alcohol Nursing assessment for accidental poisoning: • Assess respiratory and cardiovascular status • Check vital signs and place on cardiac monitor; check pulse oximetry • Find causative agent: how much was taken and how exposure occurred • Review toxicology reports: levels in urine or blood, or alcohol and drug screens • Check chest x-ray, CBC, and serumelectrolytes Nursing diagnosis for accidental poisoning: • Ineffective breathing pattern related to toxic exposure