What is the difference between a “toxic” and “nontoxic” appearance?
The terms “toxic” and “nontoxic” are clinical descriptors. They are determined based on the appearance of the patient to an experienced clinician. Toxicity does not refer to whether or not the etiology of the patient’s condition is infectious nor does it refer solely to the presence of systemic symptoms, such as fever. Although determining toxicity is subjective, certain signs and symptoms may be associated with toxicity.
