Terpene Toxicity Workup

Updated: Apr 29, 2023
  • Author: John Said Kashani, DO; Chief Editor: Asim Tarabar, MD  more...
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Workup

Laboratory Studies

Order a complete blood count: An elevated white count is nonspecific and does not necessarily imply a superinfection. Thrombocytopenia has been associated with terpene exposure.

Pulse oximetry may be a useful screening tool.

Pregnancy testing is warranted in women of childbearing age because terpenes may act as abortifacients.

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Imaging Studies

Evidence of aspiration tends to occur early, usually within 6 hours. Asymptomatic pneumonitis usually is not clinically important; therefore, chest radiography in an asymptomatic patient is not recommended.

As in all patients with altered mental status, consider obtaining a CT scan of the head or MRI for CNS imaging.

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