Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is gastric decontamination and why is it not routinely performed in poisoned patients?
What is gastric decontamination and why is it not routinely performed in poisoned patients?
Gastric decontamination is a medical procedure used in the treatment of poisoning. It is not routinely performed in poisoned patients because there is minimal evidence demonstrating positive benefit and there are associated complications.
What is the difference between gastric lavage and activated charcoal?
What is the difference between gastric lavage and activated charcoal?
Gastric lavage is a medical procedure used to wash out the stomach contents via a tube inserted through the nose or mouth. Activated charcoal is a substance that is used to adsorb toxins within the digestive tract. Gastric lavage may be used in cases of ingestion of a life-threatening amount of poison whereas activated charcoal is used for a variety of toxins. Activated charcoal does not effectively adsorb metals, corrosives, and alcohols.
What factors should be considered when deciding to give activated charcoal?
What factors should be considered when deciding to give activated charcoal?
The decision to give activated charcoal requires individual patient risk assessment and is not routinely indicated following all oral exposures. Factors to consider include the type of poison ingested, the amount of poison ingested, and the time since the poison was ingested.
Study Notes
- Gastric decontamination is not routinely performed in poisoned patients
- There is minimal evidence demonstrating positive benefit from gastric decontamination
- There are associated complications with gastric decontamination
- Gastric lavage may be considered in cases of ingestion of a life-threatening amount of poison within the previous hour where institution of supportive care and antidotal therapy would not ensure full recovery
- Activated charcoal does not effectively adsorb metals, corrosives, and alcohols
- The decision to give activated charcoal requires individual patient risk assessment and is not routinely indicated following all oral exposures
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Description
Test your knowledge on the principles and considerations of gastric decontamination in poisoned patients. Explore the indications, limitations, and associated complications of procedures such as gastric lavage and activated charcoal administration.
