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Toxic Ingestion — Toxicology Physical Exam — Clinical Pathway: Emergency Department, ICU and Inpatient

Toxic Ingestion Clinical Pathway — Emergency Department, ICU and Inpatient

Toxicology Physical Exam

Goal: Toxidrome and Substance Effects Recognition
Vital Signs
  • Core temperature
  • HR, RR, BP
  • Pulse oximetry
Eyes
Mouth
  • Level of secretions
  • Mucosal injury or erosions
Cardiovascular
  • Rate, rhythm
  • Perfusion
Respiratory
  • Respiratory rate and effort
  • Abnormal breath sounds
Gastrointestinal
  • Bowel sounds
  • Abdominal tenderness, guarding, rebound
Neuro
  • Mental status
  • Reflexes, strength, tone
  • Presence of clonus, tremors, or spasticity
Skin
  • Color, temperature
  • Diaphoresis, dry skin
  • Lesions
    • Blisters
    • Burns
  • Signs of injection
    • Needle
    • Tourniquet
Odor

 

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