Observation and patient disposition after hydrocarbon ingestion

Specific observation and patient disposition advice is given for ingestions due to the following hydrocarbons:

• essential oils (eg camphor, citronella oil, clove oil, eucalyptus oil, pennyroyal oil, tea-tree oil, oil of wintergreen)
• hydrocarbon solvents used in organophosphate insecticides.

Observation and disposition advice for methylene chloride poisoning is available in both this monograph and the carbon monoxide poisoning monograph.

Admit patients following all other hydrocarbon ingestions if they have:

• persistent altered conscious state
• respiratory distress symptoms (cough, dyspnoea, oxygen desaturation, requirement for supplemental oxygen)
• severe gastrointestinal symptoms with fluid losses and burns.

Discharge patients following all other hydrocarbon ingestions after at least 6 hours of observation if they:

• remain asymptomatic
• have normal oxygen saturation on room air.

Sedative agents can continue to cause significant cognitive impairment for several days following exposure. Advise patients not to drive or operate machinery for at least 3 days after discharge.