3 Drug Toxicity and Overdose Free Online FlashCards

What is drug toxicity?

Drug toxicity occurs when a medication’s effects become harmful.

What symptoms may warn of medication toxicity?

Possible signs include confusion, unusual drowsiness, weakness, tremor, poor coordination, nausea, vomiting, vision changes, abnormal heart rate, reduced urine output, seizures, or difficulty breathing.

What should be assessed first when toxicity is suspected?

Promptly assess airway, breathing, circulation, level of consciousness, vital signs, and relevant symptoms.

Which findings can suggest digoxin toxicity?

Nausea, poor appetite, yellow-green vision changes, and an irregular pulse can indicate digoxin toxicity. Worsening kidney function is relevant; urgent assessment may include an ECG and tests such as digoxin level, kidney function, potassium, and magnesium.

Which suspected poisoning signs call for 911 in the United States?

In the United States, call 911 for collapse, seizure, trouble breathing, or inability to awaken.

Why do high-alert medicines need extra safeguards?

Errors involving high-alert medicines can cause serious harm. Use required safeguards and medication-specific monitoring rather than relying on one symptom or laboratory value.

How can toxicity develop during prescribed use?

It can develop when a medication accumulates because kidney or liver function declines, an interacting medicine is added, or fluid and electrolyte changes alter its effects.

What factors can increase medication toxicity risk?

Risk factors include older age, multiple medications, dosing mistakes, impaired drug clearance, interacting medicines, duplicate active ingredients, and changes in fluid or electrolyte balance.

What should a nurse do about the next suspected dose?

In acute care, withhold the suspected next dose while urgently seeking clinical direction, and notify the responsible clinician.

What details and follow-up matter when toxicity is suspected?

Obtain the medication, dose, route, and timing; review relevant laboratory and monitoring records. Document findings and actions, and report medication errors according to facility policy.

What symptoms may indicate lithium toxicity?

Vomiting, diarrhea, coarse tremor, unsteady gait, and slurred speech are concerning for lithium toxicity. Fluid loss and interacting medicines can increase risk.

What should someone do after a possible acetaminophen overdose with no symptoms?

Seek poison-exposure guidance immediately, even if the person feels well. Early acetaminophen overdose may have few or nonspecific symptoms despite possible serious liver injury; do not induce vomiting.