title: Management of intentional overdose in A&E departments.
abstract: This guided reflection article discusses the biological, psychological and social causes of intentional overdose and how the A&E nurse can treat the suicidal patient. The author shows how nurses in A&E can provide interventions that address patients' physical and psychosocial needs. The correct acute response to the medications commonly taken in an intentional overdose case are described. These interventions promote patient survival, improve concordance with mental health follow-up and reduce recidivism.
authors.affiliation: Tayside Substance Misuse Services, Dundee.
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Littlejohn
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000359:Aftercare / Q000379:methods; D002606:Charcoal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D062787:Drug Overdose / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D011307:Drug Prescriptions / Q000145:classification; D016529:Emergency Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D004638:Emergency Treatment / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D005751:Gastric Lavage; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008603:Mental Health; D009042:Motivation; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000145:classification / Q000506:poisoning; D024802:Nurse's Role; D011613:Psychotherapy; D012008:Recurrence; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
chemical_list: D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D002606:Charcoal