Abstract

Development and science have produced a rapid increase in the number of potentially toxic substances that are easily accessible to children and adolescents. The most frequently reported poisoning at the Children’s Hospital is alcohol. This is most common among adolescents, equally between boys and girls. This is followed by are bites of poisonous insects, carbon monoxide poisoning, poisoning with benzodiazepines, ingestion of mushrooms and others. A nurse’s knowledge, attitude and practice in the initial management of acute poisoning in children and adolescents are very important, especially in the emergency department, where actions need to be quick, correct and in the right order.

Key words: poisoning, frequency, paediatrics.