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Symptom
dx.
Clinical Reference
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I have a symptom
Management
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Interpretation guide
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Undifferentiated Overdose
Resuscitation and Universal Approaches
Approach to Unresponsive Patient
Approach to Airway Obstruction And Stridor
Approach to Acute Respiratory Distress With Impending Failure
Approach to Peri-arrest Hypotension
Approach to Post Resuscitation Care After Rosc
Approach to Cardiac Arrest Rhythms, Pea, Asystole
Approach to Cardiac Arrest Rhythms, Vf, Pulseless Vt
Approach to Severe Agitation With Safety Risk
Approach to Procedural Sedation
Chest and Cardiovascular
Approach to Pacemaker And Icd Related Presentations
Approach to Acute Limb Ischemia And Leg Pain
Approach to Suspected Deep Vein Thrombosis Symptoms
Approach to Hypertension
Approach to Chest Pain
Approach to Palpitations And Tachyarrhythmia Symptoms
Approach to Bradycardia Symptoms
Approach to Syncope And Presyncope
Approach to Syncope With Neurologic Concern
Approach to Unilateral Leg Swelling
Approach to Bilateral Leg Swelling
Approach to Calf Pain And Swelling
Respiratory
Approach to Wheezing, Undifferentiated
Approach to Wheezing In Infants
Approach to Stridor And Upper Airway Symptoms
Approach to Dyspnea
Approach to Aspiration Event
Approach to Cough
Approach to Hemoptysis
Approach to Upper Respiratory Infection Symptoms
Approach to Suspected Pulmonary Embolism Presentation
Approach to Smoke Inhalation Concern
Approach to Smoke Exposure And Inhalational Injury
Abdominal and Gastrointestinal
Approach to Abdominal Distension
Approach to Abdominal Pain, Undifferentiated
Approach to Acute Abdominal Pain (general)
Approach to Suspected Incarcerated Or Strangulated Hernia
Approach to Pancreatitis Concern
Approach to Biliary Colic And Cholecystitis Concern
Approach to Appendicitis Concern
Approach to Diverticulitis Concern
Approach to Rectal Pain And Anorectal Complaints
Approach to Dysphagia And Food Bolus Impaction
Approach to Foreign Body Ingestion
Approach to Refractory Vomiting And Recurrent Vomiting Syndromes
Approach to Cannabis Associated Hyperemesis
Approach to Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding Symptoms (melena)
Approach to Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding And Hematochezia
Approach to Constipation And Obstipation
Approach to Diarrhea
Approach to Acute Hepatitis And Jaundice Concern
Approach to Right Upper Quadrant Pain
Approach to Epigastric Pain
Approach to Left Upper Quadrant Pain
Approach to Right Lower Quadrant Pain
Approach to Left Lower Quadrant Pain
Approach to Suprapubic Pain
Renal and Urinary
Approach to Oliguria And Anuria
Approach to Catheter Related Urinary Complaints
Approach to Dialysis Patient Presentations
Approach to Flank Pain And Renal Colic Concern
Approach to Urinary Retention
Approach to Hematuria
Approach to Scrotal Pain
Neurologic
Approach to Transient Neurologic Deficits
Approach to Acute Aphasia And Speech Disturbance
Approach to Acute Confusion And Delirium
Approach to Postictal State And Seizure Recurrence Concern
Approach to Seizure
Approach to Acute Vision Loss
Approach to New Tremor And Involuntary Movements
Approach to Headache
Approach to Vertigo
Approach to Acute Weakness Or Numbness
Approach to Gait Instability And Ataxia
Back and Neck
Approach to Atraumatic Back Pain
Approach to Sciatica And Radicular Back Pain
Approach to Back Pain With Neurologic Deficit, Cauda Equina Concern
Approach to Back Pain With Fever Or Immunosuppression, Spinal Infection Concern
Approach to Atraumatic Neck Pain
Approach to Neck Pain After Trauma
Approach to Neck Pain With Meningismus Concern
Approach to Acute Torticollis
Women's Health, Pregnancy, and GU
Approach to Vaginal Discharge
Approach to Hyperemesis Gravidarum Concern
Approach to Hypertensive Disorders Of Pregnancy Symptoms
Approach to Postpartum Hemorrhage Concern
Approach to Postpartum Infection Concern
Approach to Sexual Assault Medical Evaluation Overview
Approach to Pelvic Pain
Approach to Vaginal Bleeding, Nonpregnant
Approach to Vaginal Bleeding In Pregnancy
Approach to Pelvic Pain In Pregnancy
Approach to Post Procedure Or Post Abortion Complications Concern
Infectious Disease and Fever Syndromes
Approach to Fever In The Immunocompromised Patient
Approach to Fever With Rash
Approach to Animal Bites And Rabies Risk Assessment
Approach to Tick Exposure And Tick Borne Illness Concern
Approach to Sepsis Concern Without Clear Source
Approach to Soft Tissue Infection Concern
Approach to Abscess And Skin Infection Concern
Approach to Sore Throat
Approach to Sore Throat And Pharyngitis Symptoms
Approach to Meningitis
Approach to Envenomation And Bites
Allergy and Dermatology
Approach to Pruritus Without Rash
Approach to Contact Dermatitis And Eczema Flare
Approach to Herpes Zoster Concern
Approach to Drug Eruption Concern And Severe Cutaneous Reaction Red Flags
Approach to Urticaria
Approach to Angioedema Concern
Approach to Unexplained Bruising Or Bleeding Symptoms
Musculoskeletal and Extremities
Approach to Shoulder Pain
Approach to Elbow Pain
Approach to Wrist Pain
Approach to Hand Pain
Approach to Hip Pain
Approach to Knee Pain
Approach to Ankle Pain
Approach to Foot Pain
Approach to Cast Or Splint Complication Symptoms
Approach to Wound Check And Suture Related Visits
Approach to Joint Swelling And Monoarthritis
Approach to Suspected Septic Joint Presentation
Approach to Suspected Tendon Rupture Presentation
Approach to Limp Or Refusal To Bear Weight
Trauma and Wounds
Approach to Motor Vehicle Collision Evaluation
Approach to Chest Wall Trauma And Rib Injury
Approach to Blunt Abdominal Trauma Evaluation
Approach to Penetrating Trauma Evaluation
Approach to Pediatric Minor Head Trauma
Approach to Pediatric Head Trauma
Approach to Facial Lacerations And Dental Trauma
Approach to Hand Lacerations With Tendon Injury Concern
Approach to Puncture Wounds And Retained Foreign Body Concern
Approach to Electrical Injury
Approach to Burn Injury
Approach to Fall Evaluation
Approach to Assault And Interpersonal Violence Evaluation
Approach to Eye Trauma And Hyphema Concern
ENT, Eye, Dental
Approach to Dysphagia And Odynophagia
Approach to Throat Pain
Approach to Ear Pain
Approach to Foreign Body In Ear Or Nose
Approach to Vision Loss Complaint
Approach to Flashes And Floaters
Approach to Atraumatic Eye Pain
Approach to Red Eye
Approach to Dental Abscess Concern
Approach to Post Extraction Pain And Complications
Endocrine, Metabolic, and Abnormal Labs
Approach to Hyperglycemia
Approach to Hypoglycemia
Approach to Hyponatremia Symptoms
Approach to Hyperkalemia Symptoms
Approach to Hypokalemia Symptoms
Approach to Rhabdomyolysis Concern
Approach to Anticoagulation Related Abnormal Coagulation Studies
Approach to Acute Kidney Injury And Elevated Creatinine Referral
Approach to Symptomatic Anemia Concern
Toxicology and Behavioral
Approach to Undifferentiated Overdose
Approach to Opioid Toxicity
Approach to Opioid Withdrawal
Approach to Alcohol Intoxication
Approach to Alcohol Withdrawal
Approach to Stimulant Toxicity
Approach to Pediatric Ingestion
Approach to Carbon Monoxide Exposure
Approach to Inhalational Or Chemical Exposure
Approach to Suicidal Ideation And Self Harm Risk Assessment
Approach to Acute Psychosis And Mania Symptoms
Approach to Anxiety And Panic Symptoms
Approach to Capacity Assessment And Safe Disposition
Approach to Behavioral Escalation And Restraint Considerations
Pediatrics
Approach to Fever In The Neonate And Young Infant
Approach to Pediatric Fever By Age 0 To 28 Days
Approach to Pediatric Fever By Age 29 To 60 Days
Approach to Pediatric Fever By Age 2 To 24 Months
Approach to Pediatric Respiratory Distress
Approach to Croup And Stridor In Children
Approach to Pediatric Dehydration
Approach to Pediatric Abdominal Pain
Approach to Febrile Seizure
Approach to Rash In The Child
Approach to Poor Feeding And Lethargy In The Infant
Approach to Vomiting In The Child
Approach to Diarrhea In The Child
Approach to Pediatric Trauma Evaluation
Approach to Brief Resolved Unexplained Event In The Infant And Apparent Life Threatening Event Concern
Approach to Lethargy And Altered Mental Status In The Child
Environmental and Exposure
Approach to Heat Illness
Approach to Hypothermia And Cold Exposure
Approach to Frostbite Concern
Approach to Drowning And Submersion Injury
Undifferentiated Overdose
POCUS
Procedures
Calculators
Resuscitation
ECG Guide
Back
Clinical Assessment Checklist
Browse categories and answer follow-up questions to refine your symptom profile.
History
Exposure details
Exposure details
▶
Time last known well
Time found
Time of ingestion or exposure
Single exposure
Repeated dosing
Route oral
Route inhaled
Route intranasal
Route injected
Route transdermal
Substance name as reported
Unknown substance
Estimated dose or amount
Pill count discrepancy
Formulation immediate release
Formulation extended release
Formulation sustained release
Formulation enteric coated
Packaging
Bottle present
Blister pack present
Powder
Liquid
Patch
Missed doses
Double dosing
Intent and context
Intent and context
▶
Unintentional exposure
Therapeutic error
Recreational use
Self harm concern
Assault or poisoning concern
Occupational exposure
Environmental exposure
Access to medications in home
Access to illicit substances
Access to chemicals
Co exposures
Co exposures
▶
Alcohol
Opioids
Benzodiazepines
Stimulants
Antidepressants
Antipsychotics
Acetaminophen
Salicylates
Carbon monoxide
Cyanide source smoke
Organophosphates
Toxic alcohols
Associated symptoms
Associated symptoms
▶
Altered mental status
Somnolence
Agitation
Seizure
Headache
Chest pain
Palpitations
Dyspnea
Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Diaphoresis
Hyperthermia symptoms
Visual changes
Weakness
Tremor
Prior episodes and baseline
Prior episodes and baseline
▶
Prior overdose
Prior withdrawal
Baseline cognition
Baseline mobility
Baseline oxygen requirement
Alarm Features
Immediate threats
Immediate threats
▶
Airway compromise
GCS declining
Respiratory rate less than 10
Oxygen saturation less than 90 percent on room air
Refractory hypoxemia
Hypotension shock
Bradycardia with hypoperfusion
Ventricular dysrhythmia
QRS widening
QTc prolongation with ectopy
Status epilepticus
Hyperthermia 40 C or higher
Severe agitation with danger
Serotonin syndrome concern
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome concern
High risk exposure flags
High risk exposure flags
▶
Unknown ingestion
Large quantity
Multiple substances
Sustained release product
Delayed absorption risk
Body packing
Body stuffing
Toxic alcohol possibility
Caustic ingestion possibility
Children exposure possibility
Escalation triggers
Escalation triggers
▶
If persistent hypoventilation despite naloxone then intubation
If recurrent seizures then ICU pathway
If refractory hypotension then vasopressors
If wide complex tachycardia then sodium bicarbonate protocol
If malignant hyperthermia physiology then active cooling and paralysis
Medications
Current agents and adherence
Current agents and adherence
▶
Prescribed opioids
Prescribed benzodiazepines
Prescribed stimulants
Antidepressants
Antipsychotics
Antiepileptics
Beta blockers
Calcium channel blockers
Digoxin
Clonidine
Insulin
Sulfonylureas
Anticoagulants
Recent dose changes
Nonadherence
OTC and supplements
OTC and supplements
▶
Acetaminophen products
Salicylates
Antihistamines
Decongestants
Cough suppressants
Herbal products
Therapy interaction traps
Therapy interaction traps
▶
CNS depressant combinations
QT prolonging combinations
Serotonergic combinations
MAOI exposure
Diet
Intake and exposures
Intake and exposures
▶
Last oral intake time
Fasting
Vomiting limiting intake
Hydration poor intake
Caffeine energy drinks
Alcohol exposure
Grapefruit interaction possibility
Special situations
Special situations
▶
Bariatric surgery history
Malnutrition concern
Eating disorder concern
Review of Systems
Neurologic and psychiatric
Neurologic and psychiatric
▶
Confusion
Lethargy
Agitation
Hallucinations
Suicidal thoughts present now
Homicidal thoughts
Seizure
Syncope
Cardiopulmonary
Cardiopulmonary
▶
Dyspnea
Chest pain
Palpitations
Wheeze
Cough
Hemoptysis
Gastrointestinal and renal
Gastrointestinal and renal
▶
Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Melena
Hematemesis
Oliguria
Skin and temperature
Skin and temperature
▶
Diaphoresis
Flushing
Rash
Hyperthermia
Hypothermia
Collateral History and Family History
Collateral sources
Collateral sources
▶
EMS report
Family report
Friends report
Pharmacy records
Pill bottles
Scene findings
Family risks
Family risks
▶
Sudden cardiac death under 50
Long QT syndrome
Seizure disorders
Substance use disorders
Risk Factors
Patient factors
Patient factors
▶
Pregnancy
Older age
Frailty
Low body weight
Hepatic disease
Renal disease
Chronic lung disease
Sleep apnea
Cardiac disease
Seizure disorder
Exposure risks
Exposure risks
▶
Polysubstance use history
Opioid use disorder (F11)
Alcohol use disorder (F10)
Benzodiazepine dependence
Stimulant use disorder
Access to high risk meds
Unsafe storage at home
Harm and complications risks
Harm and complications risks
▶
Aspiration risk
Rhabdomyolysis risk
Hypothermia exposure
Pressure injury risk
Differential Diagnosis
Life threatening
Life threatening
▶
Opioid toxicity
▶
Bradypnea
Miosis
Toxic alcohol ingestion
▶
High anion gap metabolic acidosis
Osmol gap elevation
Calcium channel blocker toxicity
▶
Bradycardia
Hypotension
Beta blocker toxicity
▶
Bradycardia
Hypoglycemia
Tricyclic antidepressant toxicity
▶
QRS widening
Hypotension
Acetaminophen toxicity
▶
Early minimal symptoms
Delayed liver injury
Salicylate toxicity
▶
Tinnitus
Mixed acid base disorder
Carbon monoxide poisoning
▶
Headache
Hypoxia with normal pulse ox
Cyanide poisoning
▶
Severe lactic acidosis
Cardiovascular collapse
Serotonin syndrome
▶
Hyperreflexia
Clonus
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
▶
Rigidity
Hyperthermia
Status epilepticus (G41)
▶
Persistent seizure
Recurrent without recovery
Common
Common
▶
Ethanol intoxication (F10)
▶
Ataxia
CNS depression
Sedative hypnotic toxicity
▶
CNS depression
Normal vitals early
Stimulant intoxication
▶
Mydriasis
Tachycardia
Anticholinergic toxidrome
▶
Delirium
Urinary retention
Sympathomimetic toxidrome
▶
Diaphoresis
Hypertension
Opioid withdrawal
▶
Mydriasis
Diarrhea
Less common and mimics
Less common and mimics
▶
Hypoglycemia (E16)
▶
Diaphoresis
Altered mental status
Sepsis (A41)
▶
Fever
Hypotension
Stroke (I63)
▶
Focal deficits
Asymmetric findings
Meningitis (G00)
▶
Neck stiffness
Fever
Postictal state
▶
Tongue bite
Incontinence
Head trauma
▶
Scalp hematoma
Anticoagulant use
Past Medical History
Conditions and prior events
Conditions and prior events
▶
Substance use disorders
Prior overdose
Depression (F32)
Anxiety (F41)
Psychosis disorders
Epilepsy (G40)
Diabetes mellitus (E10) (E11)
Chronic kidney disease (N18)
Chronic liver disease
COPD (J44)
Obstructive sleep apnea (G47.33)
Procedures and devices
Procedures and devices
▶
Bariatric surgery
Dialysis access
Pacemaker
ICD device
Physical Exam
Initial assessment
Initial assessment
▶
Airway patency
Work of breathing
Respiratory pattern
Circulation skin perfusion
Mental status level
Toxic appearance
Vitals pattern interpretation
Vitals pattern interpretation
▶
Bradycardia pattern
Tachycardia pattern
Hypertension pattern
Hypotension pattern
Hyperthermia pattern
Hypothermia pattern
Bradypnea pattern
Pupils and ocular
Pupils and ocular
▶
Pupils pinpoint
Pupils mid size
Pupils dilated
Nystagmus
Dry mucous membranes
Skin and secretions
Skin and secretions
▶
Diaphoresis
Dry skin
Flushed skin
Cyanosis
Needle marks
Patch present
Neuromuscular and toxidromes
Neuromuscular and toxidromes
▶
Tremor
Rigidity
Clonus inducible
Clonus spontaneous
Hyperreflexia
Hyporeflexia
Fasciculations
Ataxia
Cardiopulmonary
Cardiopulmonary
▶
Wheeze
Crackles
Bradyarrhythmia signs
Poor peripheral pulses
Pulmonary edema signs
Abdomen and bladder
Abdomen and bladder
▶
Bowel sounds decreased
Bowel sounds increased
Tenderness
Distension
Urinary retention
Lab Studies
Core labs
Core labs
▶
Glucose bedside
▶
Repeat if altered mental status persists
Hypoglycemia threshold 3.0 mmol/L or less
Electrolytes
▶
Sodium
Potassium
Urea
▶
AKI risk marker
Baseline comparison
Creatinine
▶
AKI risk marker
Dose adjustment implications
Venous blood gas
▶
pH
CO2 retention marker
Lactate
▶
High risk if 4 mmol/L or higher
Consider cyanide or shock if very high
CBC
▶
Infection clue
Anemia clue
LFTs
▶
Acetaminophen injury monitoring
Hepatic impairment dosing implications
CK
▶
Rhabdomyolysis screening
Serial trend if elevated
Toxicology specific labs
Toxicology specific labs
▶
Acetaminophen level at presentation
▶
Repeat based on time since ingestion
Use Rumack Matthew nomogram when single acute ingestion and known time
Salicylate level
▶
Serial levels for delayed absorption
Clinical severity may not match single level early
Ethanol level
▶
Co ingestion risk marker
Osmol gap interpretation aid
Pregnancy test
▶
Required for antidote risk decisions
Imaging and disposition implications
Coagulation studies
▶
Hepatic injury monitoring
Anticoagulant exposure screening
Acid base and gap framework
Acid base and gap framework
▶
Anion gap calculation
Osmol gap calculation
Mixed disorder patterns
Salicylate typical mixed respiratory alkalosis and metabolic acidosis
Imaging
Scoring Systems
Scoring Systems
▶
Poison Severity Score
▶
Use for standardized severity description
Not a disposition tool
COWS for opioid withdrawal
▶
Use when withdrawal suspected
Not for acute opioid apnea
MRI
MRI
▶
Brain MRI for persistent unexplained encephalopathy
Contraindications implanted devices not MRI safe
Delayed neurotoxicity concern selection
CT
CT
▶
CT head for trauma concern or focal deficits
CT head for persistent altered mental status without explanation
CT chest for aspiration complications when worsening respiratory status
Contrast nephropathy risk in CKD
Ultrasound
Ultrasound
▶
POCUS IVC and cardiac function for shock phenotype
Lung ultrasound for pulmonary edema
Bladder scan for urinary retention
Special Tests
Bedside and monitoring tests
Bedside and monitoring tests
▶
Continuous pulse oximetry
Continuous capnography if hypoventilation risk
Serial neurologic checks
Temperature monitoring core if hyperthermia risk
Decontamination related
Decontamination related
▶
Whole bowel irrigation consideration for sustained release ingestion
Whole bowel irrigation consideration for body packing
Activated charcoal timing consideration
Activated charcoal contraindication unprotected airway
ECG
Indications and serial strategy
Indications and serial strategy
▶
Any overdose with unknown substance
Any altered mental status ingestion
Any syncope
Any chest pain
Repeat ECG after treatment changes
High risk patterns
High risk patterns
▶
QRS 120 ms or more
QTc 500 ms or more
R wave in aVR 3 mm or more
Ventricular tachycardia
Brugada pattern unmasked
Toxidrome linked ECG clues
Toxidrome linked ECG clues
▶
Tricyclic pattern with wide QRS and terminal R in aVR
Sodium channel blockade pattern from multiple agents
Digoxin effect pattern
Hypokalemia related U waves
Assessment
Problem representation
Problem representation
▶
Undifferentiated overdose
Toxidrome pattern match
Intent and risk profile
Time since exposure estimate
Severity stratification
Severity stratification
▶
Mild stable vitals normal mental status
Moderate abnormal vitals or mild CNS depression
Severe airway risk or shock or dysrhythmia or seizure
Key complications to rule out
Key complications to rule out
▶
Hypoxia and hypercapnia
Hypoglycemia
Aspiration pneumonitis
Rhabdomyolysis
AKI
Hepatic injury
Co ingestion acetaminophen
Co ingestion salicylates
Plan
First 5 minutes workflow
First 5 minutes workflow
▶
Resuscitation bay for airway risk
Cardiac monitor and defib pads for unstable rhythm risk
Two large bore IV lines if unstable
Point of care glucose immediately
Oxygen to target saturation 94 percent or higher
Naloxone for suspected opioid toxicity
▶
0.04 mg IV
Escalate every 2 to 3 minutes
0.4 mg IV
2 mg IV
Maximum cumulative local protocol dependent
If inadequate ventilation then bag valve mask
If unable to protect airway then RSI
Antidotes and targeted therapies
Antidotes and targeted therapies
▶
Acetylcysteine for acetaminophen toxicity
▶
Start if level above treatment line or time unknown
Start if delayed presentation with hepatic injury and history compatible
Dosing local protocol dependent
Sodium bicarbonate for sodium channel blockade
▶
Indication QRS widening
Bolus 1 to 2 mEq per kg IV
Repeat bolus until QRS narrows or pH target reached
Infusion 150 mEq in 1 L D5W
Titrate to pH 7.50 to 7.55
High dose insulin euglycemia therapy for beta blocker or calcium channel blocker toxicity
▶
Bolus regular insulin 1 unit per kg IV
Infusion 1 unit per kg per hour
Titrate every 10 to 15 minutes
Dextrose infusion to maintain euglycemia
Potassium monitoring frequent
Glucagon for beta blocker toxicity
▶
3 mg IV bolus
Repeat if response then infusion
Nausea and vomiting common
Calcium for calcium channel blocker toxicity
▶
Calcium chloride 1 g IV
Prefer central line
Calcium gluconate 3 g IV alternative
Fomepizole for toxic alcohol suspicion
▶
Start with high anion gap metabolic acidosis and osmolar gap or convincing history
Dosing local protocol dependent
Hydroxocobalamin for cyanide suspected from smoke inhalation with collapse and lactic acidosis
▶
Dosing local protocol dependent
Atropine for organophosphate cholinergic crisis
▶
Titrate to drying of secretions
Pralidoxime adjunct local protocol dependent
Physostigmine for severe anticholinergic delirium
▶
Only if QRS normal and no TCA concern
Continuous monitoring required
Symptom control and supportive care
Symptom control and supportive care
▶
Agitation
▶
Benzodiazepines first line for sympathomimetic and serotonin syndrome
Midazolam 2 mg IM or IV
Lorazepam 2 mg IV
Seizure
▶
Benzodiazepines first line
Levetiracetam 60 mg per kg IV up to 4500 mg
Hyperthermia
▶
Active external cooling
Sedation and paralysis if severe
Hypotension
▶
Isotonic fluids bolus
Norepinephrine infusion if refractory
Hypoglycemia
▶
Dextrose IV
Consider octreotide for sulfonylurea toxicity
▶
50 mcg subcutaneous
Repeat every 6 hours
Decontamination decisions
Decontamination decisions
▶
Activated charcoal
▶
Consider within 1 hour of ingestion for adsorbable agents
Consider later for sustained release agents
Activated charcoal contraindications
▶
Unprotected airway
Caustic ingestion concern
Bowel obstruction concern
Whole bowel irrigation
▶
Polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution
Consider for sustained release ingestion
Consider for body packing
Monitoring and reassessment loop
Monitoring and reassessment loop
▶
Reassess mental status every 15 to 30 minutes until stable
Repeat vitals every 15 minutes if unstable
Repeat ECG after antidote therapy and with any deterioration
Repeat electrolytes every 2 to 4 hours when on insulin therapy
Repeat acetaminophen and salicylate levels per kinetics and protocol
Urine output monitoring for rhabdomyolysis and shock
Disposition
ICU criteria
ICU criteria
▶
Intubation or impending airway failure
Vasopressor requirement
Recurrent seizures
Significant dysrhythmia
Severe hyperthermia
High dose insulin therapy
Need for emergent dialysis for toxin removal local protocol dependent
Inpatient and observation criteria
Inpatient and observation criteria
▶
Persistent altered mental status
Ongoing oxygen requirement
Rising CK with rhabdomyolysis
AKI
Hepatic injury markers rising
Sustained release ingestion with delayed toxicity risk
Lack of reliable supervision
Discharge criteria
Copy
Discharge criteria
▶
Normal mental status at baseline
Stable vitals for observation window appropriate to agent
No recurrent sedation after naloxone observation
Normal ECG or stable known baseline
No concerning lab trends
Safe environment and supervision
Substance use follow up arranged when applicable
Discharge Instructions
Copy discharge instructions
Copy
Copy discharge instructions
▶
You were seen for possible medication or substance overdose
If you become very sleepy or hard to wake up call emergency services right away
Return now for trouble breathing
Return now for chest pain
Return now for fainting
Return now for seizures
Return now for severe confusion or agitation
Do not drink alcohol or use drugs for 24 hours
Do not drive or operate machinery for 24 hours
Take only medications exactly as prescribed
Keep all medications and chemicals locked away from children
Follow up with your primary care clinician within 1 to 3 days
If this overdose was related to substance use ask about treatment options and support services today
References
Guidelines and key sources
Guidelines and key sources
▶
American Academy of Clinical Toxicology and European Association of Poisons Centres activated charcoal position statement 1997
American College of Medical Toxicology acetaminophen poisoning management guidance 2019
EXTRIP workgroup recommendations on extracorporeal treatment in poisoning multiple toxins updates local protocol dependent
American Heart Association ACLS guidelines 2020 toxicology related arrhythmia management
Goldfrank toxicologic emergencies 11th edition 2019
SymptomDx is an educational tool for medical professionals. It does not replace clinical judgment. Verify all clinical data and drug dosages with authoritative sources.
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Clinical Approaches
Undifferentiated Overdose