Prescribing within clinical toxicology

MacVicar, Sonya; Osinski, Karen

Abstract

In 2020, the first clinical toxicology advanced nurse practitioner and independent prescriber post was introduced in the United Kingdom. This article discusses the remit of clinical toxicology and the integration of nurse prescribing into this service by following a patient journey from admission to discharge. The case study describes an acute paracetamol poisoning presentation following intentional self-harm. Paracetamol is widely available and safe in therapeutic dosages; however, it is the drug most commonly taken in intentional overdose and the toxic effect can result in hepatic failure and fatality. The nurse prescriber conducted a holistic consultation, assessed pharmacological management and instigated timely treatment. Current research on the benefits and disadvantages of paracetamol antidote regimes are discussed. Long-term physical and mental wellbeing following intentional overdose require interprofessional liaison with access to psychological support, arranged prior to patient discharge.

Citation

MacVicar, S., & Osinski, K. (2020). Prescribing within clinical toxicology. Journal of Prescribing Practice, 2(12), 674-680. https://doi.org/10.12968/jprp.2020.2.12.674

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Online Publication Date: Dec 12, 2020
• Publication Date: Dec 2, 2020
• Deposit Date: Dec 14, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 5, 2021
• Journal: Journal of Prescribing Practice
• Print ISSN: 2631-8385
• Electronic ISSN: 2631-8393
• Publisher: Mark Allen Healthcare
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 2
• Issue: 12
• Pages: 674-680
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.12968/jprp.2020.2.12.674
• Keywords: paracetamol, acetylcysteine, clinical toxicology, activated charcoal, SNAP regimen
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/2711327