Gastric lavage is indicated in all cases of acute poisoning ideally because of –
**Core Concept**
Gastric lavage is a medical procedure that involves flushing the stomach with liquid to remove its contents. In the context of acute poisoning, gastric lavage is considered when the patient presents early after ingestion, and the substance ingested is likely to be toxic or cause significant harm.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Gastric lavage is ideally indicated in cases of acute poisoning when the patient presents early, typically within 1 hour of ingestion. This allows for the removal of the potentially toxic substance from the stomach before it is absorbed into the bloodstream. The American Academy of Clinical Toxicology recommends that gastric lavage should only be performed by an experienced practitioner and in a controlled setting, such as a hospital. The procedure is most effective when the patient is awake and able to protect their airway.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Gastric lavage is not indicated in cases of poisoning with corrosive substances, such as acids or bases, as the procedure can cause further irritation and damage to the esophagus and stomach.
**Option B:** Gastric lavage is not effective in cases of poisoning with substances that are highly lipid-soluble, such as certain alcohols or barbiturates, as they can be absorbed quickly into the bloodstream.
**Option C:** Gastric lavage is not indicated in cases of poisoning with substances that are not likely to cause significant harm, such as caffeine or theophylline, as the risk of complications outweighs any potential benefit.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
In cases of suspected poisoning, it is essential to consider the timing of the ingestion, the type of substance involved, and the patient's clinical presentation when deciding whether to perform gastric lavage. The procedure should only be performed by an experienced practitioner in a controlled setting.
**Correct Answer:**
A. Gastric lavage is ideally indicated in cases of acute poisoning when the patient presents early, typically within 1 hour of ingestion.