Question

A 3-year-old female ingested several leaves from a plant in the living room. The child's mother is not sure what type of plant it is, stating that she bought it simply because it was pretty. After completing your initial assessment of the child, you should:

A) Administer an antidote immediately
B) Induce vomiting using ipecac syrup
C) Call Poison Control for guidance
D) Wait and observe without taking any action

Answer 1

When a child ingests leaves from an unknown plant, it is important to call Poison Control for guidance. Administering an antidote immediately or inducing vomiting without proper guidance can be dangerous. Waiting and observing without taking any action is also not recommended.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a 3-year-old female ingests leaves from an unknown plant, it is important to prioritize the child's safety. In this case, the best course of action would be to call Poison Control for guidance. Poison Control experts are trained to handle such situations and can provide specific advice on how to proceed based on the child's symptoms and the potential toxicity of the plant.

Administering an antidote immediately or inducing vomiting using ipecac syrup without proper guidance can be dangerous and may worsen the situation. It is crucial to rely on professional advice in such cases.

While waiting and observing without taking any action may be an option, it is not recommended given the potential risks associated with plant ingestion.