ABSTRACT
The preceding three chapters discussed the acute inges tion of ethanol and ethanol substitutes, many of which may offer the clinician a diagnostic challenge. Yet, physi cians seldom entertain the possibility that an intoxicated patient may have ingested a toxic alcohol unless the pre sentation is complicated by coma, seizures, metabolic acidosis, or symptoms specific for such ingestions. This chapter discusses the work-up of a patient with an acidbase disorder that may involve some of the toxins previ ously discussed. A systematic plan for the work-up is presented.
