SCCM Resource Library-So Many Toxicologic Ingestions, so Little Time: Racing Against the Clock in Overdose Diagnosis and Treatment

So Many Toxicologic Ingestions, so Little Time: Racing Against the Clock in Overdose Diagnosis and Treatment

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The video discusses the diagnosis and management of cardiotoxic overdoses. The speaker explains that when approaching a patient with a potential cardiotoxic overdose, the healthcare provider should obtain a history, perform a physical exam, and use vital signs, neurologic exam, and electrocardiogram (EKG) to identify the specific drugs involved. The most common cardiotoxins in overdoses are beta blockers and calcium channel blockers, which can cause bradycardia, hypotension, and altered mental status. The speaker emphasizes the importance of immediate interventions including fluids, charcoal if ingestion occurred within one to two hours, and monitoring with EKG and laboratory tests such as troponin, potassium, and magnesium levels. Treatment options for hypotension include fluids and specific interventions such as glucagon for beta blockers and calcium for calcium channel blockers. In the case of tachycardia, which is commonly associated with sympathomimetic or anticholinergic drugs, ACLS protocols are recommended. The speaker also highlights the importance of risk assessment and monitoring for patients with abnormal EKG findings who may require further treatment.

Asset Subtitle

Pharmacology, 2023

Asset Caption

Type: one-hour concurrent | Kickstart My Heart: Treating Cardiotoxicity in Medication Overdoses (SessionID 1174999)

Meta Tag

Content Type Presentation

Knowledge Area Pharmacology

Membership Level Professional

Membership Level Select

Tag Toxicology

Year 2023

Keywords

cardiotoxic overdoses

diagnosis

management

beta blockers

calcium channel blockers

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