Important Information
Different chemicals cause different reactions within the body; In general, people who have ingested poison may have burns or stains around the mouth, excessive salivation, sweating, nausea and tear formation
Their breath may smell like chemicals and they may have difficulty breathing; Vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, drowsiness and unconsciousness may occur
Patient Care; Ingested Poison
- Perform a primary and secondary assessment and monitor the patient's Cycle of Care AB-CABS
- For a responsive patient, conduct an illness assessment and gather information about what, when and how much poison was ingested while waiting for EMS to arrive
- If available, read the label on the substance for poisoning instructions and call the Poison Control Center for further directions
- If instructed to induce vomiting, use a substance recommended by the PCC; Save the vomitus and gather the poison container for EMS
- Continue to follow Poison Control Center directions and support the patient until EMS arrives
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