Which action is inappropriate when handling suspected poisoning?

• A. Induce vomiting immediately.
• B. Evacuate immediately.
• C. Identify possible agent and prevent further exposure.
• D. Treat symptoms.

Answer: (A)

Inducing vomiting immediately is inappropriate because it can cause more harm than good in suspected poisoning. Vomiting can lead to aspiration of the toxin into the lungs, especially if the person is drowsy, confused, or has a reduced airway reflex, and many substances are caustic or damaging when expelled back up the esophagus. You often don’t know what the poison is, so attempting to force vomiting doesn’t reliably remove the toxin and can delay proper care. The safer approach focuses on removing the person from further exposure, identifying the potential agent if safe to do so, preventing additional exposure to others, and treating symptoms while seeking medical help. Decontamination should prioritize skin and eye cleansing and removing contaminated clothing, along with supporting vital functions, rather than inducing emesis.