What is the primary role of supportive care in the management of poisoning?

Supportive care plays a crucial role in the management of poisoning by focusing on the stabilization and support of the patient’s physiological functions while specific antidotes are being administered or while waiting for their effects to manifest. This approach is essential because many types of poisoning do not have a specific antidote that can reverse the toxic effects immediately.

Supportive care includes monitoring and managing vital signs, providing oxygen for respiratory distress, administering intravenous fluids for hydration and stability, and treating symptoms such as seizures, arrhythmias, or altered mental status. This care is a critical component of the overall treatment strategy, ensuring that the patient remains stable and can tolerate additional interventions.

While psychological support and patient education are important components of comprehensive care, they do not directly address the immediate medical needs involved in managing acute poisoning. Specific antidotes are vital for treating certain types of poisonings, but they do not replace the necessity of supportive care, which focuses on the ongoing physiological needs of the patient during a potentially unstable situation.