Table 2.

Response of DRH nurses on their general knowledge of poisoning, Dessie referral hospital, North Eastern 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%