Final answer:
In the case of ethylene glycol poisoning, immediate interventions include gastric lavage, administration of activated charcoal, and the use of fomepizole or ethanol therapy to inhibit the formation of toxic metabolites. These emergency medical procedures are critical in preventing further toxicity and should be executed by healthcare professionals.
Step-by-step explanation:
When dealing with a case of ethylene glycol poisoning, prompt medical intervention is critical to decrease the progression of toxic effects. If Maria had come home earlier and Ms. Jimenez was found within half an hour of drinking antifreeze, which contains ethylene glycol, the following three interventions could have been considered:
- Gastric lavage or emesis: This initial step involves the physical removal of the substance from the stomach, provided the patient presents soon after ingestion and is symptomatic.
- Administration of activated charcoal: Although its effectiveness in ethylene glycol poisoning is unclear, it may be used to absorb any remaining substance within the gastrointestinal tract.
- Fomepizole administration or ethanol therapy: These substances work by inhibiting alcohol dehydrogenase, the enzyme responsible for the metabolism of ethylene glycol into its toxic metabolites, thus preventing the formation of glycolic acid and other harmful acids.
It is important to note that these interventions should only be performed by medical professionals in a healthcare setting. Following stabilization, hemodialysis may be necessary to remove the ethylene glycol and its metabolites from the bloodstream, especially if the patient develops metabolic acidosis or if there is a significant amount of ethylene glycol in the blood.