A 4-year-old child is brought to ED after ingesting an unknown number of sustained-release iron tablets 1 hour ago. He is asymptomatic. What is the MO...

Question

A 4-year-old child is brought to ED after ingesting an unknown number of sustained-release iron tablets 1 hour ago. He is asymptomatic. What is the MOST appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Obtain an abdominal X-ray to assess for retained tablets and seek toxicology advice

Answer

Reassure and discharge as he is asymptomatic

Answer

Perform whole bowel irrigation immediately without imaging

Answer

Start desferrioxamine infusion immediately in all iron ingestions

Answer

Give milk to reduce absorption and observe at home

au-acem MCQ (SBA): Iron overdose in children

A 4-year-old child is brought to ED after ingesting an unknown number of sustained-release iron tablets 1 hour ago. He is asymptomatic. What is the MOST appropriate next step?