Poisoning by Plant Resin Workup

Updated: Feb 23, 2023
  • Author: Hagop A Isnar, MD, FACEP; Chief Editor: Asim Tarabar, MD  more...
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Workup

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.

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Other Tests

An electrocardiogram (ECG) and rapid potassium determination are indicated when bradycardia and/or hypotension are present.

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