Question

A 2-year-old girl is brought to the ED after ingesting an unknown quantity of household bleach (sodium hypochlorite). She has mild oral erythema but is otherwise well, with no respiratory distress or drooling. Which is the most appropriate management?

Accepted Answer

Observe, give oral fluids as tolerated and arrange outpatient follow-up; no neutralising agents or charcoal required

Answer

Induce vomiting to remove the bleach

Answer

Give activated charcoal

Answer

Administer a strong acid to neutralise the alkali

Answer

Immediate endoscopy in all cases regardless of symptoms

Practice question

A 2-year-old girl is brought to the ED after ingesting an unknown quantity of household bleach (sodium hypochlorite). She has mild oral erythema but is otherwise well, with no respiratory distress or drooling. Which is the most appropriate management?