HHC Health & Home Care Clinical Policy And

HHC HEALTH & HOME CARE Section: 14-32
Emergency: Drug Overdose __RN
PURPOSE:
To prevent further injury by obtaining prompt medical
assistance.
CONSIDERATIONS:
1. Depending on the drug, the patient may have
respiratory depression, cold and clammy skin,
lethargy, dilated or constricted pupils, weak rapid
pulse, decreased or increased tendon reflexes,
coma, agitation, arrhythmias, or hallucinations.
2. Some types of overdose stimulate the central
nervous system and can cause tinnitus, vomiting,
hyperventilation, fever, and hyperactivity. Severe
cases may cause convulsions, dehydration,
decreased sensorium, respiratory failure, and
cardiovascular collapse.
PROCEDURE:
1. Adhere to Universal Precautions.
2. Assess patient's general condition, and treat the
patient for respiratory distress.
3. Call 911.
4. Note patient's age and estimated weight.
4. Ask the patient or caregiver what medication,
amount and dosage ingested.
5. Contact the patient’s physician
6. If you don't know what substance was ingested,
look for burns in and around the mouth, smell the
breath for any unusual odors, and examine hands
and clothing for stains or residue. If there is vomit –
place some in clean plastic container for analysis by
hospital lab.
7. If patient cannot immediately be transported to ER
call Poison Control Center (NYC 1800 222-1222) for
further information for care.
AFTER CARE:
1. Send the suspected drug medication container with
the patient, if available.
2. Record and send with patient:
a. Patient's age and estimated weight.
b. Suspected drug information.
c. Treatment provided.
d. Patient's response to treatment.
e. Document the above information in patient's
record
3. Communicate incident with nursing supervisor
4. Submit written incident report to nursing supervisor
within 72 hours.
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