Description
Poisonings and Environmental injuries are a unique set of medical conditions that require a special focus. This module reviews, in a very concise and emergently relevant manner, the acute management of problems associated with the major drug classes of medications that patients commonly present to the ED with. Treatment of these patients is directed at the mechanism of action of the various drugs, including:
- Opioids
- Benzodiazepines
- Antidepressants (SSRIs/TCAs/MAOIs)/serotonin syndrome
- Lithium
- Antipsychotics (EP symptoms/neuroleptic malignant syndrome)
- Barbiturates
- Acetaminophen
- Aspirin/salicylates
- Methanol/Ethylene glycol (link to Renal – Acid/Base module)
- Ethanol and isopropyl alcohol
- Iron
- Beta-blockers and Calcium channel blockers
- Diabetes medications (hypoglycemia)
- Cocaine and amphetamines
- Anticholinergic medications
- Hydrocarbons
- Cyanide toxicity
- Dyshemoglobinemias
- Carbon Monoxide
- Caustic ingestion
- NSAIDS
Evaluation and Management of Environmental Injuries include:
- Heat emergencies (i.e. heat exhaustion, heat stroke)
- Hypothermia
- Electrical injuries
- Lightning injuries
- Drowning
- Mammalian bites
- Reptilian bites
The American College of Emergency Physicians designates this Enduring material for a maximum of 8.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
NPs earn 8.5 hours CE, including 1.5 hours of ENP skills/procedural hours.
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of the American College of Emergency Physicians and Emergency Medicine Core Training. The American College of Emergency Physicians is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
