Final answer:
Poison control staff might instruct health-care workers to administer activated charcoal, utilize chelation therapy for heavy metal poisoning, and closely monitor the patient. It's important to follow their specific recommendations as some actions such as dilution with milk or water may not be appropriate for all types of poisons.
Step-by-step explanation:
Poison control staff may instruct a health-care worker to administer activated charcoal which is known to absorb many substances, ranging from organic particulates to inorganic metal ions. If dealing with certain types of poisonings such as heavy metals, a specific treatment like chelation therapy using agents such as dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) or dimercaptopropane sulfonate (DMPS) may be effective if administered within a few hours of exposure. It's also critical to monitor the patient for appropriate symptoms to assess their condition accurately. While having the patient drink a large amount of water or milk might be suggested in certain circumstances, like diluting or neutralizing a substance, it is paramount to follow the specific advice of poison control professionals as incorrect actions could exacerbate the situation.