Caring for the Poisoned Patient

The purpose of this course is to provide information regarding the most common poisoning emergency and their treatments to ensure that these cases are identified and treated early, resulting in better outcomes and improved patient care. In addition, members of the public may use this course to enhance their personal knowledge of the subject matter presented.

Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:
1. Evaluate indications for interventions to stabilize the poisoned patient, and describe the components of the coma cocktail.
2. List drugs/toxins with unique properties, such as low toxic doses and delayed effects, that may affect patients' clinical presentation.
3. Identify toxidromes and their associated signs and symptoms.
4. Outline laboratory and other testing that may be useful when assessing the poisoned patient.
5. Compare and contrast various gastric decontamination techniques.
6. Compare antidotes and indications for their use.
7. Analyze the care for common dermal, ocular, and inhalational exposures.

This 5-hour continuing education course is available for download for professional development; if continuing education credit is desired, please see instructions included in eBook.