Laboratory Studies
Laboratory studies have little use in the treatment of any patient with acute plant poisoning; however, the studies may be helpful in attempts to exclude other causes of a patient's presenting signs and symptoms.
Evaluate any alteration in mental status with a rapid glucose determination, assessment of oxygenation status, and investigation of other potential causes such as trauma or infection. Other studies, such as electrolyte determination, kidney and liver function tests, and urinalysis, may be useful in certain situations but rarely alter treatment of exposure to a known toxic plant.
Obtaining a serum acetaminophen concentration is recommended for any suicidal ingestion. In the absence of significant signs or symptoms, a urine drug screen rarely is useful clinically.
Other Tests
An electrocardiogram (ECG) and rapid potassium determination are indicated when bradycardia and/or hypotension are present.
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Hemlock. Photo by Cornell University Poisonous Plants Informational Database.
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Daphne. Photo by Cornell University Poisonous Plants Informational Database.
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Poison ivy. Photo by Cornell University Poisonous Plants Informational Database.
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Poison ivy. Photo from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Poison oak. Photo by Cornell University Poisonous Plants Informational Database.
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Poison sumac. Photo by Cornell University Poisonous Plants Informational Database.
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Poison ivy rash. This photograph shows an individual's arm with a blistering poison ivy rash. Hardin Library for the Health Sciences, University of Iowa Public Domain Picture (http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/haRDIN/MD/cdc/4483.html) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Poison oak rash. This photograph depicts an individual's arm with a blistering poison oak rash. Note the linear pattern to the lesions. Hardin Library for the Health Sciences, University of Iowa Public Domain Picture (http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/haRDIN/MD/cdc/4484.html) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
