Indiana Poison Center Nursing Position

Oh the joys of the holiday season! The sweet smells of baking and evergreens, the glittering lights, candles, ornaments and tinsel, the crackling of wrapping paper, the glow of a cheerful fire, the lovely sounds of voices raised in song and laughter …… and the multitude of opportunities for poisoning abounding everywhere!

Here’s just a smattering of common exposures & their general risks:

• Bubble lights – not a problem unless you drink more than one
• Tiny glass bulbs – not a problem if you crunch one
• Poinsettias – NOT toxic! If you eat the entire plant, you’ll vomit
• Jerusalem cherry – toxic
• Christmas cactus – not toxic
• Flocking – not toxic
• Tinsel – a problem for cats
• Chocolate – a problem for dogs
• Christmas ornaments – foreign bodies / choke hazards; ancient ornaments may have lead-based paint
• Candles – “dry” wax is not toxic; Liquid candles or “wet” wax are aspiration risks
• Oil lamps – aspiration risks
• Plug in air fresheners – aspiration risks
• Left over alcoholic drinks – hypoglycemic risks for kids
• Cigarettes and cigarette butts – toxic
• Silica gel (the desiccant in purses, stereos, new shoes) – not toxic, choke hazard
• Button or disc batteries – toxic! Child will need an immediate X-Ray to locate the battery’s position; further treatment depends upon where the battery is.

Have a wonderful, joyous holiday time! Keep those little ones – and everyone else – safe. If you think an exposure has occurred, call the Indiana Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 – we’ll be there 24/7, just like the rest of the hospital world, ready and waiting to help you if you need us.

Gwenn

To be a registered nurse at Clarian, visit Registered Nursing Opportunities Indiana.