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Table 2 Response of DRH nurses on their general knowledge of poisoning, Dessie referral hospital, North Eastern Amhara region, Ethiopia, 2018

From: Assessment of knowledge and practice of nurses on initial management of acute poisoning in Dessie referral hospital Amhara region, Ethiopia, 2018

Knowledge on poisoning

Frequency correct response

Percent (%)

Poison is any substance capable of producing damage or dysfunction in the body by its chemical activity.

138

86.3%

Dose ingested and time of ingestion are not very necessary consideration when managing poisoning cases in ED.

48

30.0%

As an ED nurse it is always very important to treat the poison not the patient.

55

34.4%

The commonest cause of poisoning in developing countries is pesticide poisoning.

93

58.1%

Women are more likely to take deliberate poison in general population to commit suicide than men.

129

80.6%

Cause of poisoning among casualties attending any ED, according to motive and nature of use, can be classified as:

 I. Deliberate poisoning.

46

28.8%

 II. Accidental poisoning.

65

40.6%

 III. Homicidal poisoning.

20

12.5%

 IV. Euthanasia poisoning.

56

35%

Alimentary signs and symptoms of acute poisoning during early stages include:

 I. Dry mouth, abdominal pain and salivation.

30

18.8%

 II. Nausea, vomiting, hallucinations and convulsions.

63

39.3%

 III. Coughing, cyanosis, hyperventilation and salivation.

61

38.1%

 IV. Tachycardia, hypotension, diarrhea and breathlessness.

50

31.2%