The following is an excerpt....
BASICS
Description
- Poisoning may be intentional or unintentional.
- Patients with change in mental status without clear cause should have poisoning (intoxication, overdose) considered in differential diagnosis.
Etiology
- Intentional:
- Depression
- Suicide
- Homicide
- Recreational drug abuse
- Unintentional (accidental):
- Common cause in children
- Therapeutic error (eg, double dose)
- Recreational drug experimentation
ALERT:
Pediatric Considerations
- Accidental ingestions—typically young children (1–5 yr)
- Consider child abuse if inconsistent or suspicious history.
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