Salicylate Toxicity

IMPORTANT: It is best to refer to your local hospital protocol for management of salicylate toxicity or call DPIC . The below resource should be used to support your learning. 

Emergency Care BC

• Overview of management of salicylate toxicity including pathophysiology, expected presentation and treatment recommendations

1. Which of the following does NOT cause salicylate toxicity?

a) Aspirin

b) Oil of wintergreen

c) Naproxen

d) Willow bark

2. Patients with salicylate poisoning often present with the following signs and symptoms EXCEPT?

a) Respiratory rate less than 12

b) Tinnitus

c) Seizures

d) Fever

3. Which of the following is NOT a goal of therapy for salicylate toxicity? 

a) Prevent absorption of salicylate  

b) Correct central hypoglycemia  

c) Acidify urine

d) Correct hypokalemia  

4. Your patient recently ingested a toxic amount of aspirin and is now seizing. What is recommended to manage seizures? 

a) Benzodiazepines

b) Glucose 

c) Phenytoin

d) Sodium bicarbonate

5. What is the target serum pH in a patient with salicylate toxicity?

a) <7.2

b) 7.35-7.45

c) 7.45 - 7.55

d) >7.55

6. Your patient with salicylate poisoning requires intubation. The following are recommended steps EXCEPT?

a) IV sodium bicarbonate

b) Perform quick intubation

c) Set ventilator setting to "hypoventilation"

d) None of the above - patients with salicylate poisoning should never be intubated no matter the circumstances