Alcohol Poisoning

4/24/2019

Alcohol Poisoning - Google Docs

Megan Mitton

Alcohol Poisoning

Science/Pathophysiology

Definition - Alcohol poisoning is a condition in which a toxic amount of alcohol has been consumed, usually in a short period of time.

Symptoms & Causes - The following are usual symptoms, caused by an excess of alcohol in your system, but not limited to: Confusion Emesis Seizures Slow breathing (less than eight breaths/minute) Agonal Respirations (a gap of more than 10 seconds between breaths) Cyanosis or pale skin Low body temperature (hypothermia) Passing out (unconsciousness) and can't be awakened

Methods of Diagnosis - In addition to checking for the visible signs and symptoms of alcohol poisoning, the physician will likely order blood and urine tests to check the levels of alcohol in the bloodstream and identify other signs of alcohol toxicity, such as low glucose levels. Methods of Treatment If a person is thought to have alcohol poisoning, call an ambulance right away and follow these steps before it arrives: Try to keep the individual awake

Try to keep them in a sitting position, not lying down - if

they do lie down, turn their head to the side

If they can take it, give them water

If the person is unconscious, put them in the recovery

position and check they are breathing

Do not give them co ee; ca eine will

worsen the dehydration

Do not lie them on their back



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4/24/2019

Alcohol Poisoning - Google Docs

Megan Mitton

Do not give them any more alcohol to drink Do not make them walk While in the hospital, depending on the patient's BAC Level and severity of the signs and symptoms, sta may jus monitor them until their alcohol levels gradually drop. However, depending on the severity of symptoms, other treatments may include: Intubation to help with breathing An IV drip to manage hydration, blood glucose, and

vitamin levels A urinary catheter if they become incontinent In some cases, the patient's stomach may be pumped -

fluids are flushed through a tube that goes down their mouth or nose Recovery - During recovery from alcohol poisoning the individual may experience these symptoms: Headache Stomach cramps Nausea Anxiety Tremors Complications/Prognosis - What can happen as a result of alcohol poisoning: Hypothermia (low body temperature) Blackouts (amnesia brought about by drinking too much alcohol) Slow, irregular, or stopped breathing Irregular or stopped heartbeat Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can lead to seizures Severe dehydration from vomiting, which can cause seizures, permanent brain damage, or death



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4/24/2019

Alcohol Poisoning - Google Docs

Megan Mitton

Su ocation from choking on vomit, as the gag reflex becomes impaired

Unconsciousness, possibly followed quickly by death Other Information

Myth: Taking ibuprofen before heavy drinking can reduce the e ects of a hangover. Fact: Never take aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen while drinking -- it can irritate your stomach. Aspirin and alcohol combined can cause hepatitis, which allows more alcohol into the bloodstream and may result in potential liver damage. Penberthy suggests taking a standard dose of pain relievers the morning after to help relieve temporary pains.

Myth: Beer before liquor, never been sicker. Liquor before beer, you're in the clear. Fact: Although di erent drinks may di er in alcohol content, your blood alcohol content (BAC) determines how drunk you are, not the type of alcohol you drink. A drink is a drink, and too much of any combination will make you sick.

Myth: Drinking co ee, eating or taking a cold shower will help you sober up. Fact: Once alcohol is in your bloodstream, nothing can sober you up besides time. "These other options may help you feel more alert and fresh, but will NOT alone sober you up," says Penberthy.

Myth: The darker the color of the alcohol you're drinking, the worse your hangover will be. Fact: Darker alcohols contain more congeners (toxic chemicals created during the fermentation process),



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4/24/2019

Alcohol Poisoning - Google Docs

Megan Mitton

which can worsen hangovers. To avoid feeling sluggish the next day, opt for some lighter versions of those dark drinks, or consume less alcohol.

Medical Terminology

IV - Intravenous, a small, short plastic catheter that is placed through the skin into a vein, usually in the hand, elbow, or foot, but occasionally in the head.

BAC - Blood Alcohol Content, how much alcohol is in the bloodstream

Vital Signs - Temperature, Pulse, Respirations, Blood Pressure Hypothermia - Medical emergency that occurs when your body

loses heat faster than it can produce heat, causing a dangerously low body temperature. Shock - The state of not enough blood flow to the tissues of the body as a result of problems with the circulatory system. Initial symptoms may include weakness, fast heart rate, fast breathing, sweating, anxiety, and increased thirst. Cyanosis - Bluish color to the skin Arrhythmia - Improper breathing of the heart, whether irregular, too fast, or too slow. Emesis - The action or process of vomiting Glucose - Sugar levels in the bloodstream Dehydration - A significant loss of body fluid that impairs normal body functions. Cardiac System - The essential components of the human cardiovascular system are the heart, blood and blood vessels. It includes the pulmonary circulation, a "loop" through the lungs where blood is oxygenated; and the systemic circulation, a "loop" through the rest of the body to provide oxygenated blood.



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4/24/2019

Alcohol Poisoning - Google Docs

Megan Mitton

Respiratory System - The primary organs of the respiratory system are lungs, which carry out this exchange of gases as we breathe. Red blood cells collect the oxygen from the lungs and carry it to the parts of the body of the body where it is needed, according to the American Lung Association.

Neurological System - The nervous system is a complex collection of nerves and specialized cells known as neurons that transmit signal between di erent parts of the body. It is essentially the body's electrical wiring. Structurally, the nervous system has two components: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.

Blood Chemistry Levels - A test done on a sample of blood to measure the amount of certain substances in the body. These substances include electrolytes (such as sodium, potassium, and chloride), fats, proteins, glucose (sugar), and enzymes.

ER - Emergency Room Restrain - Prevent (someone or something) from doing

something; keep under control or within limits. Physical Exam - A procedure doctors, nurses, physicions, etc.

use to determine the wellness of a patient and the next steps in treating the patient. Blood Specimen - A sample of blood for testing. Seizures - A sudden attack especially: the physical manifestations (as convulsions, sensory disturbances, or loss of consciousness) resulting from abnormal electrical discharges in the brain. Intubation - To put a tube in, commonly used to refer to the insertion of a breathing tube into the trachea for mechanical ventilation.



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