Management of the poisoned patient.
Poisoning is common and results in significant morbidity and mortality. The emergency physician should approach the evaluation and management of the poisoned patient with an unknown exposure in a stepwise fashion. Clues from the history, physical exam, and laboratory studies can often lead the emergency physician to the correct diagnosis. Gastrointestinal decontamination should not be performed routinely and its use should be individualized in each patient. Poison centers and toxicologists can serve as a valuable resource in the management of the poisoned patient.
Algren
D Adam
DA
Department of Emergency Medicine, Truman Medical Center/Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas, USA. adam.algren@tmcmed.org
D004635:Emergency Medicine / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008923:Missouri; D011039:Poison Control Centers; D011041:Poisoning / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology