Toxic Alcohol Ingestion: Prompt Recognition and Management in the Emergency Department (Critical Care Topic and Pharmacology CME)

• Testing for toxic alcohols is not readily available in hospital laboratories. While neither sensitive nor specific, an elevated osmol gap or unexplained elevated anion gap metabolic acidosis should prompt consideration of a toxic alcohol exposure.
• Always consider co-ingestions for any patient with a potential toxicological exposure. Also consider traumatic injuries for patients who present with intoxication or altered mental status.

To continue reading, please log in or purchase access.