Articles Posted in Medical

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Cyanide is a toxic chemical substance that is found in a gas or a salt form. The gaseous form is colorless with a bitter almonds odor. Cyanide can be ingested by mouth, inhaled or absorbed by the skin.

Cyanide is used in the synthesis of some plastic items; it can be used in cleaning metal as well as in other industrial or laboratory settings. Cyanide is also naturally present in some pits and seeds of fruits such as apricots and almonds but it’s in a small amount. Nitroprusside is a drug that may lead to cyanide toxicity if it’s given in an improper dose. During a house fire, cyanide gas is produced due to the combustion of common household materials. Inhalation of cyanide leads to cyanide poisoning. Cyanide can be used in chemical warfare and poisoning.

Cyanide simply works by decreasing the oxygen content of the blood by causing a chemical change that prevent oxygen from getting into the hemoglobin of the red blood cell and this will lead to tissue hypoxia.

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Burns may lead to various effects on the body depending on the type and severity of the burn. Amputation may be one of the results of severe burns, although it is not common, it can happen. Amputation may have to be done in extensive burns due to the loss of blood supply or destruction of that body part. Amputation of fingers is more common than amputation of part of the limbs. High voltage electrical burns lead to injury not only to the skin but also to the underlying tissues and this can necessitate amputation. Despite the emotional and physical effect of the amputation on burn survivors, many survivors will adjust to their new circumstance and lead a productive life.

This information is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice; it should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Call 911 for all medical emergencies.

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Frostbite is a tissue injury induced by exposure to cold. Frost bite happens when a person is exposed to extreme cold leading to damage of the skin and the underlying tissue. Any part of the body may be affected by frostbite but it usually occurs in the nose, ears, fingers and toes.

When the temperature reaches zero or below, the blood vessels located close to the skin start to constrict to decrease the blood flowing throw them which in turn will lead to decrease heat loss and preserve core body temperature (see regulation of body temperature). When the skin and the underlying tissues are exposed to prolonged cold or extreme cold, the flow of blood to the affected areas will be greatly reduced leading to damage to these areas which may be permanent leading to tissue death and amputation in severe cases.

The risk of frostbite increases in the following:

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During this phase the patient is discharged from the hospital and starts to reenter and reintegrate into life and society. Interacting with family members, friends and the rest of the community may be difficult at first. The patient may be used to the hospital environment, leaving the hospital; they will have the fear of being rejected by the community because of their change in appearance or abilities. Other issues that face the patient during this stage are dealing with returning to work, changing their image and resuming sexual activities. Patients may develop anxiety and depression as a result of these issues.

Going through rehabilitation, exercises, dressing changes, pressure garment use, amputations, scarring and itching may all have an effect on the patient emotionally and physically.

Treatment provided in this stage begins before discharge by explaining and preparing the patient and family for the difficulties anticipated after discharge. Outpatient counseling, social skill training and support groups play a role in recovery. Family and friends’ support and the patient’s willingness to engage himself/ herself in society play an important role in recovery.

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Acute stage:

This stage of recovery follows the resuscitative stage. In this stage the patient begins the healing process both physically and emotionally. Patients in this stage are still going through the painful procedures and treatments. They will start to be aware of the impact of the injury and how their injuries have changed their lives. Some have lost loved ones; some may have lost everything they have worked for.

Patients in this stage may experience sleep disturbance due to many factors: being in a hospital environmental with factors such as lights, staff awakening the patient for medication and to check vital signs. Anxiety and depression plays a major role in sleep disturbance. Nightmares, agitation and pain may also affect sleep. Acute stress disorder which occurs in the first month and post traumatic stress disorder which occurs after the first month manifest during this stage.

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One of the most traumatic experiences that a person can go through both physically and psychologically is suffering a burn injury. Psychological consequences of burns don’t only affect the patient who suffered the burn trauma, but can affect the people who are close to him/her. Psychiatric symptoms and needs depend on the stage of recovery. There are three stages of recovery which are:

  • Resuscitative stage (critical care stage).
  • Acute stage.
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Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas. It is also flammable and is quite toxic to humans and other oxygen-breathing organisms. Carbon monoxide poisoning happens when enough carbon monoxide is inhaled.

CO is found in combustion fumes, such as those produced by cars and trucks, small gasoline engines, stoves, lanterns, burning charcoal, burning wood, and gas ranges and heating systems.

Breathing carbon monoxide fumes decreases the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. Low levels of oxygen can lead to cell death, including cells in the vital organs such as the brain and heart.

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Treatment:

  • Seek medical help immediately.
  • If the chemical exposure was on the skin or the eyes, cleansing of the skin or eyes with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. If the exposure on the skin results in chemical burn see chemical burns part I, II.
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Chlorine is a chemical compound that is found in a liquid and a gaseous form. The liquid is colorless to amber colored and the gas is greenish-yellow in color.

Chlorine is used in water purification because it prevents bacteria from growing. It is found in swimming pool water. Chlorine is used as a disinfecting agent in mild cleaners and some bleach products. It is also used in industrial products such as industrial plastic production and other industrial and consumer products.

Chlorine poisoning occurs when a person swallows it or inhales it. Chlorine reacts with water inside and outside the body to form acids which are extremely poisonous.

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