Transdermal Toxicology
HISTORY AND CURRENT USE Print Section Listen Applying a xenobiotic to the skin to treat a systemic medical condition is not new. Ointments and other salves have been applied topically…
Case Study 3
CASE STUDY 3 Print Section Listen History A 54-year-old man presented to the emergency department (ED) complaining that he was weak, dizzy, and felt as if he was about to…
Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid–Base Principles
INTRODUCTION Print Section Listen A meaningful analysis of fluid, electrolyte, and acid–base abnormalities is dependent on the history and physical examination of each patient. Although a rigorous appraisal of laboratory…
Chemical Principles
INTRODUCTION Print Section Listen Chemistry is the science of matter; it encompasses the structure, physical properties, and reactivities of atoms and their compounds. In many respects, toxicology is the science…
Principles of Diagnostic Imaging
INTRODUCTION Print Section Listen Diagnostic imaging plays a significant role in the management of many patients with toxicologic emergencies. Radiography can confirm a diagnosis (eg, by visualizing the xenobiotic), assist…
Laboratory Principles
INTRODUCTION Print Section Listen Clinical toxicology addresses the harm caused by acute and chronic exposures to excessive amounts of a xenobiotic. Detecting the presence or measuring the concentration of toxic…
Principles and Techniques Applied to Enhance Elimination
INTRODUCTION Print Section Listen Enhancing the elimination of a xenobiotic from a poisoned patient is a logical step after initial stabilization of the airway, breathing, and circulation; supportive measures; and…
Whole-Bowel Irrigation and Other Intestinal Evacuants
INTRODUCTION Print Section Listen One approach to altering the pharmacokinetics of a xenobiotic is to administer a gastrointestinal (GI) evacuant. Selected patients benefit from minimizing systemic exposure by decreasing GI…
Activated Charcoal
INTRODUCTION Print Section Listen Activated charcoal (AC) is an excellent nonspecific adsorbent. Conclusions regarding the role of AC in poison management are achieved through the integration of pharmacologic data, controlled…
Decontamination Principles: Prevention of Dermal, Ophthalmic, and Inhalational Absorption
INTRODUCTION Print Section Listen Decontamination is a term that describes limiting or minimizing the exposure of a patient to a xenobiotic. This involves removal of a xenobiotic by physical means…
