Poisoning vital signs

Human subjects suffering from acute poisoning usually show alterations in the vital signs, which consist of temperature, pulse rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure. These are discussed here in connection with their uses as indicators of toxicant exposure. 

Poisoned patients may require monitoring of vital signs, measurement of ventilatory adequacy such as blood gases and pulse oximetry, leukocyte count with differential to assess development of pneumonia, and chest radiographs to assess the degree of pulmonary edema or development of hydrocarbon pneumonitis. Workers involved in the formulation and application of pesticides should be monitored by periodic measurement of cholinesterase activity in their bloodstream. Untreated, anticholinesterase-depressed acetylcholinesterase activity returns to normal values in approximately 120 days. 

The Poison Control Center does not need to know the client s vital signs therefore, this would warrant intervention by the charge nurse. The center s responsibihty is to inform the nurse of the antidote and treatment to decrease the possibihty of life-threatening complications secondary to the poisoning. 

B. Blood pressure is a veiy important vital sign in a poisoned child. The blood pressure cuff must be of the proper size cuffs that are too small can falsely elevate the pressure. The blood pressures of infants are difficult to obtain by auscultation but are easily obtained by Doppler. 

---