Gastric lavage is contraindicated in poisonings with: (PGI May 2011)
First, I recall that gastric lavage is generally used for acute poisoning to remove toxins from the stomach. However, there are specific situations where it's contraindicated. The main contraindications I remember include delayed presentation (more than 1 hour post-ingestion), corrosive substances, and certain poisons that are absorbed rapidly or cause significant risk of aspiration.
So, which poisons would fall into these categories? For example, hydrocarbons like kerosene can cause chemical pneumonitis if aspirated, so lavage is contraindicated there. Also, strong acids or alkalis are corrosive and can cause more damage if lavage is done. Another example is lithium, which is rapidly absorbed, so waiting for lavage isn't effective. Maybe the correct answer is something like hydrocarbon poisoning.
Now, the options in the original question might have included hydrocarbons, and the others could be things like paracetamol, which is treated with NAC, or maybe something else. The key is to identify which poison's properties make lavage unsafe. Let me check standard sources. Yes, hydrocarbons (like gasoline, kerosene) are contraindications because of aspiration risk. Also, if the patient is unconscious or has impaired gag reflex, lavage is contraindicated, but that's more about the patient's condition rather than the poison itself.
So the correct answer here is likely hydrocarbon poisoning. The other options might be things like organophosphates or others where lavage is still done. Let me verify. Another contraindication is delayed presentation. If the patient came in after an hour, lavage isn't useful. But the question is about the type of poisoning. So hydrocarbons and corrosives are the main ones. Therefore, the answer would be hydrocarbon poisoning. So the correct answer is option C: Hydrocarbons.
**Core Concept**
Gastric lavage is contraindicated in poisonings where the toxin causes severe gastric irritation, rapid absorption, or aspiration risk. Key contraindications include hydrocarbons, corrosive agents, and delayed presentations (>1 hour post-ingestion).
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Hydrocarbons (e.g., kerosene, gasoline) are contraindicated for gastric lavage due to their high aspiration risk, which can lead to chemical pneumonitis. These substances are volatile and may cause airway injury if introduced into the lungs. Lavage is ineffective after rapid absorption and risks exacerbating injury.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** *Paracetamol* β Lavage is indicated for paracetamol overdose if performed within 1 hour of ingestion, as it delays absorption.
**Option B:** *Iron* β Lavage is indicated for iron poisoning to reduce systemic toxicity.
**Option D:** *Organophosphates* β Lavage is used for organophosphate poisoning to minimize absorption, despite the risk of anticholinergic side effects.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Y