Which of the following is a contraindication to activated charcoal?

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a contraindication to activated charcoal?

Explanation:
Activated charcoal should not be used when caustic substances or hydrocarbons have been ingested. Caustics (strong acids or bases) can cause severe burns to the esophagus and stomach, and applying charcoal may worsen mucosal injury or obscure evaluation of the damage, with little to no benefit from adsorption. Hydrocarbons carry a high risk of aspiration, and even if charcoal is given, these substances are not well adsorbed and the patient could develop chemical pneumonitis if they aspirate. For these reasons, these ingestions are contraindications to activated charcoal. The other options do not represent recognized contraindications in the same way.

Activated charcoal should not be used when caustic substances or hydrocarbons have been ingested. Caustics (strong acids or bases) can cause severe burns to the esophagus and stomach, and applying charcoal may worsen mucosal injury or obscure evaluation of the damage, with little to no benefit from adsorption. Hydrocarbons carry a high risk of aspiration, and even if charcoal is given, these substances are not well adsorbed and the patient could develop chemical pneumonitis if they aspirate. For these reasons, these ingestions are contraindications to activated charcoal. The other options do not represent recognized contraindications in the same way.

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