Question

MD22 [Mar99] [Apr01] [Mar03] Gastric lavage:

A. Only useful within two hours of poisoning
B. In children, use 5% Glucose instead of water
C. Contraindicated if poison corrosive
D. Is performed in the right lateral position
E. Should only be performed on intubated patients

Answer 1

Gastric lavage is a procedure used to remove toxic substances from the stomach after poisoning. It is only useful within two hours of poisoning, contraindicated if the poison is corrosive, and can be performed on intubated patients.

Step-by-step explanation:

Gastric lavage, also known as stomach pumping, is a procedure used to remove toxic substances from the stomach after poisoning. It involves inserting a tube through the throat into the stomach and aspirating the contents. Here are the correct statements regarding gastric lavage based on the given options:

1. Gastric lavage is only useful within two hours of poisoning. After this time, most of the poison would already be absorbed into the bloodstream.
2. In children, 5% glucose solution may be used instead of water for gastric lavage to prevent hypoglycemia.
3. If the poison is corrosive, gastric lavage is contraindicated because it can cause further damage to the esophagus and stomach.
4. Gastric lavage is typically performed with the patient lying in the left lateral position, not the right lateral position.
5. Gastric lavage can be performed on intubated patients, but it is not an absolute requirement.