Toxicology (main)

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Background

Autonomic Nervous System

  • Parasympathetic - ACh is transm
    • Muscarinic
      • receptors in heart, eye, lung, GI, skin and sweat glands
      • Bradycardia
      • Miosis
      • Bronchorrhea / Bronchospasm
      • Hyperperistalsis (SLUDGE)
      • Sweating
      • Vasodilation
    • Nicotinic
      • receptors in both sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems
      • fasciculations, flaccid paralysis
      • ?Mild bradycardia, hypotension
  • Sympathetic
    • ALPHA EFFECTS - vessels, eye, skin
      • Mydriasis, HTN, Sweating
    • BETA EFFECTS - heart, lungs
      • Tachycardia, Bronchodilation

Diagnosis

Toxicological Exam

  • All VS (Temp, RR,HR, BP)
  • Neuro Exam
    • Level of consciousness
    • Pupillary exam
    • Motor response
  • Skin Exam - moisture, temp
  • Lung Exam
  • Bowel Sounds

Toxidrome Chart

Toxidrome Chart

Finding Cholinergic Anticholinergic Sympathomimetic Sympatholytic^ Sedative/Hypnotic
Example Organophosphates TCAs Cocaine Clonidine ETOH
Temp Nl Nl / ↑ Nl / ↑ Nl / ↓ Nl / ↓
RR Variable Nl / ↓ Variable Nl / ↓ Nl / ↓
HR Variable ↑ (sig) Nl / ↓ Nl / ↓
BP Nl / ↓ Nl / ↓
LOC Nl / Lethargic Nl, agitated, psychotic, comatose Nl, agitated, psychotic Nl, Lethargic, or Comatose Nl, Lethargic, or Comatose
Pupils Variable Mydriatic Mydriatic Nl / Miotic
Motor Fasciculations, Flacid Paralysis  Nl Nl / Agitated Nl
Skin Sweating (sig) Hot, dry Sweating Dry
Lungs Bronchospasm / rhinorrhea Nl Nl Nl
Bowel Sounds Hyperactive (SLUDGE) ↓ / Absent Nl / ↓ Nl / ↓
^Consider Sympatholytic when looking at Sedative OD or someone who doesn't respond to Narcan
Withdrawal from substances have the opposite effect
^Consider Sympatholytic when looking at Sedative OD or someone who doesn't respond to Narcan

Differential Diagnosis for Specific Signs

Hyperthermia

Hypothermia

Increased Respiratory Rate

Respiratory Depression

See Also

Source