Final answer:
Administering fomepizole or ethanol is the treatment for ethylene glycol poisoning, as these agents inhibit the metabolism of ethylene glycol to toxic metabolites, preventing organ damage and metabolic acidosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The treatment for ethylene glycol poisoning involves administering fomepizole or ethanol. These substances work by inhibiting the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase, which is responsible for the metabolism of ethylene glycol into its toxic metabolites. This action prevents the formation of glycolic acid, one of the main toxic metabolites of ethylene glycol that can lead to metabolic acidosis, encephalopathy, and cerebral edema. It is crucial to avoid the accumulation of glycolic acid to prevent potential damage to the brain, heart, lungs, and kidneys. If fomepizole is not available, ethanol can be used as an alternative because it has a higher affinity for alcohol dehydrogenase, thus outcompeting ethylene glycol for metabolism.