POISONING AND OVERDOSE

The differential diagnosis of all patients with altered mental status must include drug toxicity. In particular, intentional or unintentiona l overdosing and/or poisoning are common emergency department presenti ng complaints. A comprehensive approach to managing these patients mus t incorporate aggressive information gathering, a careful physical exa mination looking for toxic syndromes, and diagnostic testing. Proper d econtamination is the key to effective management, as is the use of sp ecific antidotes when indicated.