Intensive Care of Acute Poisoning - A. V. Hovenko 2010

Modern approaches to the diagnosis of acute poisoning
General rules and principles of diagnosis of acute poisoning

When providing first aid for Acute Poisoning, it is essential to remember above all that saving and preserving the victim's life depends on rapid Diagnosis and immediate elimination of critical symptoms, regardless of whether the critical condition is caused by the poisoning itself or another illness. In other words, one must adhere to THE PRINCIPLE OF prioritizing the diagnosis of the patient's condition over diagnosing the disease and its underlying causes.

The process of diagnosing poisoning can be time-consuming and require complex examinations. Diagnosis is primarily based on clinical symptoms and chemical-toxicological analysis data. However, the Description of the situation or surrounding circumstances often clearly points to poisoning and sometimes even reveals The Nature of the toxic substance.

If appropriate clinical symptoms are present, poisoning can be established and Treatment initiated immediately. Nevertheless, a definitive and accurate diagnosis is made only after evaluating the results of the chemical analysis.

The principles of prioritizing the Assessment of the patient's condition over diagnosing the illness itself should be understood strictly as a temporary postponement of the general diagnosis. As a rule, a complete diagnosis of acute poisoning is only possible in a medical facility or toxicology center. Haste should not prevent these conditions from being met, because once the patient's vital Functions (Respiration and Circulation) are restored, purposeful action rather than mere speed becomes the foundation of further care.

The diagnosis of acute poisoning includes:

- clinical diagnostic Methods based on Anamnesis data, inspection of the scene, and examination of the clinical picture of the disease to identify specific symptoms of poisoning;

- laboratory toxicological Diagnostics – qualitative or quantitative determination (identification) of toxic substances in the body's biological fluids and Tissues (Blood, urine, CEREBROSPINAL FLUID);

- pathomorphological diagnostics – detection of specific post-mortem signs of poisoning (performed by forensic medical experts).