emDocs - July 15, 2019 - Author: Dazhe J
Edited by: Santos C; Koyfman A and Long B
"...Summary – Key Take Home Points:
- Avoid premature closure by verifying through history and exam that the patient’s presentation is consistent with what the reported ingestion was.
- A thorough toxicology history with relevant social history elements take time, but learn to start incorporating some of these questions if diagnostic uncertainty is present – i.e. ask if pets are also sick at home.
- Manage and stabilize patients as you would any critically ill patient with attention to ABCs and supportive care. Add in considerations of antidote, decontamination, and enhanced elimination based on suspected exposure.
- Know your toxicology resources listed above and call your local poison center or medical toxicologist for clinical assistance."