Your patient is a 16-year-old female who has taken an overdose of phenobarbital. She is unresponsive. Her skin is cool and pale, BP = 92/60, HR = 60, RR = 6. You have intubated the patient and started an IV. Which of the following is appropriate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Phenobarbital overdose can lead to respiratory depression and acidosis. Contacting poison control for guidance is appropriate as they may recommend the use of bicarbonate to correct the acidosis. Option B (Sodium bicarbonate 100 mEq) is incorrect because administering bicarbonate without guidance from poison control carries the risk of causing metabolic alkalosis. Option C (Naloxone 2 mg, 25 gm dextrose, transport) is incorrect as naloxone is not indicated for phenobarbital overdose. Option D (50 gm activated charcoal through an NG tube en route to the hospital) is also incorrect as activated charcoal is not effective in treating phenobarbital overdose.

Your Patient Is a 16-Year-Old Female Who Has Taken an Overdose