What Instructions Should You Give to Patients Regarding Ethylene Glycol/Propylene Glycol Exposure?

Course: WB 4342
CE Original Date: March 20, 2020
CE Renewal Date: March 20, 2022
CE Expiration Date: March 20, 2024
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Learning Objectives

After completing this section, you will be able to describe self-care and clinical follow-up instructions for patients exposed to ethylene glycol or propylene glycol.

Introduction
Self-Care

Advise patients to avoid exposures and conditions that might further increase their risk for disease or worsen their existing health condition(s). You might offer the following advice to your patient:

  • If you have any antifreeze in your home, keep it in original, labeled containers and securely stored and out of children’s reach.
  • If you suspect that someone has ingested antifreeze, be sure he or she sees a healthcare provider immediately.
Clinical Follow-Up

Patients should be advised to consult their healthcare provider if they develop

  • any sign or symptom of CNS involvement, or
  • signs or symptoms of other health changes (especially those possibly related to heart and kidney problems).

ATSDR’s patient education and care instruction sheet on ethylene glycol and propylene glycol is a job aid that provides relevant follow-up instructions for patients possibly exposed to ethylene glycol or propylene glycol including follow-up instructions.

Key Points
  • Advise patients to avoid exposures and conditions that might further increase their risk for disease or worsen their existing health condition(s).
  • Patients should seek immediate evaluation if they develop neurological problems or other health changes after exposure.
  • A patient education and care instruction sheet for ethylene glycol and propylene glycol is available at: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/egpg/pated_sheet.html

To review relevant content, see “Self Care” and “Clinical Follow-Up” in this section.