Observation and patient disposition after hydrocarbon injection

Admit patients after intravenous hydrocarbon injection if they have:

• persistent altered conscious state
• abnormal vital signs
• respiratory distress symptoms (cough, dyspnoea, oxygen desaturation, supplemental oxygen requirement)
• arrhythmia
• metabolic disturbance
• fever suggesting infection.

Refer all patients following high-pressure hydrocarbon injection to a surgeon.

Discharge patients following intravenous hydrocarbon injection after at least 6 hours of observation if they have:

• normal conscious state and vital signs
• no respiratory distress, arrhythmia, metabolic disturbance
• normal serum electrolyte concentrations
• normal kidney function
• no evidence of local tissue damage from extravasation at the injection site.

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.