Toxicology

Regarding poisonings, the EMT recognizes which of the following as true?

• A poison is any substance that impairs a person’s health by its chemical action.

• All toxins are poisonous when in contact with the human body.

• The majority of poisonings are intentional and result in homicide or suicide.

• The number one cause of poisoning in the United States is medications.

Which of the following correctly identifies the routes by which a poison can enter the human body?

• Exposure, Ingestion, Inhalation, Injection

• Topical, Inhalation, Nasal-Oral, Absorption

• Ingestion, Inhalation, Injection, Absorption

• Inhalation, Injection, Nasal-Oral, Visual

A 53-year-old female has intentionally ingested a large amount of Valium. The EMT would recognize that the medication is being absorbed into the body through what structure?

• stomach

• esophagus

• large intestine

• small intestine

The most common route by which a poison enters the body is:

• inhalation

• ingestion

• exposure

• topical

You have been called for a 13-year-old boy who was caught sniffing glue by his parents. The boy is lethargic and confused and complaining of “burning” in his mouth and nose, as well as nausea and vomiting. Based on the clinical presentation and mechanism of illness, how has this poison affected the boy’s brain?

• Absorbing through the small intestine into the bloodstream and then on to the brain

• Directly contacting the brain by crossing the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose

• Crossing from the lungs into the bloodstream and then circulating to the brain

• Absorbing fumes through the skin, nose, and eyes and then on to the brain

A 44-year-old patient was found unresponsive at home. Based on his mental status and the fact that he was burning a kerosene heater in an enclosed room, you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning. Based on this information, which route of exposure would the EMT recognize as responsible for the poisoning?

• nasal-oral

• inhalation

• ingestion

• absorption

A 31-year-old female was stung by a hornet while golfing. Your assessment reveals her to be confused with stridorous respirations. Her skin is warm and flushed and covered with hives. A stinger is located on the back of her neck. Based on this information, the EMT would recognize that the route of poisoning suffered by this patient would be:

• absorption

• anaphylactic

• topical

• injection

A 44-year-old male had a pesticide splashed into his eyes. Aside from local irritation and damage to the eyes, he also suffered systemic complications since the pesticide entered and was circulated throughout his body. When completing the prehospital care report, the EMT would note the route of exposure as:

• absorption

• visual

• injection

• topical

When assessing a patient who has been exposed to a poisonous substance, it is essential to recognize:

• vomiting indicates that the poison has not yet been absorbed into the body.

• the signs and symptoms of toxic exposure will vary depending on the specific poison.

• the route of entry into the body will determine the signs and symptoms.

• absorption into the body has not occurred if the signs of illness are not apparent within 15 minutes.

The EMT’s first priority when managing a patient that has been exposed to a poisonous substance is:

• identify the poison.

• induce vomiting.

• perform a primary assessment.

• administer activated charcoal.