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Nontoxic means what in physical exam? - Uncertain

Posted: Nov 07, 2011

Hi, I'm a fairly new MT. I come across "patient is nontoxic" often enough and I've come to think it means he is not sick/contagious. Google searching does not yield much. Maybe I'm missing something. Report today had doctor describing patient who has a rash/contact dermatitis. He begins to say he is "nontoxic" but then seems to swallow the end as if changing his mind. My question is--Would a patient with contact dermatitis who is NOT sick in any other contageous way be described as "nontoxic"? What does nontoxic refer to in general?

Thanks for any insights!

does he say nontoxic appearing? simply means he - does not appear ill -nm

[ In Reply To ..]
nm

nontoxic - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
A nontoxic dermatitis would be a skin irritation not due to an outside contaminant(like cleaning agents or poison ivy, for example).

I don't agree that "nontoxic" simply means the patient doesn't look ill in any context.

That is interesting - Uncertain

[ In Reply To ..]
It was guessed that the dermatitis was likely due to poison ivy, so maybe the doctor WAS changing his mind. I sent it to QA out of caution and glad I did. Thanks!

It depends on the context. A general meaning - would be

[ In Reply To ..]
not associated with a destructive source or process, (by implication) a benign finding. On an overall physical exam, it typically indicates a "non-diseased" appearance, i.e. without sequela. For example, when aplied to dermatitis, nontoxic could mean a non-contact dermatitis, or opne not associated with a disease process. A common more specific reference you may encounter is "nontoxic goiter," one which may appear enlarged and nodular, but not associated with hyperthyroidism.

I have always thought of this term as one a doctor (particularly a specialist) may include in dictation, not so much to convey a universally recognized meaning, but more like his or her own "code" word that carries a specific meaning for that individual MD.

Good info. - Uncertain

[ In Reply To ..]
This helps. It's great to have the help of experienced MTs. Thank you for your time!

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