Management for Poisoning and Overdose:
The following data should be obtained at the time of initial contact.
Phone Number: getting the caller's telephone number is necessary in case he requires follow-up calls.
Address: This may be crucial if emergency equipment needs to be dispatched or if the person on the phone becomes hysterical or develops lethargy, convulsions and so on.
Evaluation of Severity: Callers may begin with a description of symptoms or signs such as a convulsion. It is vital to evaluate the current status of the patient in terms of immediate danger, potential danger and no danger. Further history may be necessary to evaluate an asymptomatic patient.
Weight and Age: This helps to estimate the level of potential toxicity.
Time of Ingestion: This permits interpretation of onset of symptoms or signs as well as well as evaluation of laboratory data and other prognostic information.
Past Medical History: To determine the usual health status of the patient as a basis for interpreting signs. It will also suggest interaction of chronic medications or allergies with the current ingestion.
Type of Exposure: Products, names and ingredients should be obtained from labels or from the POISONINDEX system.
Amount of Exposure: How many tablets or how much fluid has been consumed should be estimated. Tablets or fluid remaining in the container should be counted or measured.
Route of Exposure: To determine whether the exposure was by ingestion, inhalation, local application to the eyes or skin or parenteral.
We have learnt that the data should be obtained for management let us discuss the primary assessment and intervention.