Activated charcoal should be used for known caustic ingestions.

Activated charcoal should be used for known caustic ingestions.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only if the patient is vomiting
• D. Only for alkaline ingestions

Answer: (A)

Activated charcoal works by adsorbing many substances in the gut when given early and the patient has a protected airway. However, for known caustic ingestions, it is not routinely used in modern EMS practice. Caustics can damage the mucosa, and charcoal does not reliably bind these agents; giving charcoal can obscure endoscopic evaluation, delay definitive care, and increase the risk of aspiration if vomiting occurs. The appropriate approach is airway protection and close medical evaluation, with endoscopy as indicated. Some exam content may present different wording, but current practice generally discourages charcoal for caustic ingestions.

Activated charcoal works by adsorbing many substances in the gut when given early and the patient has a protected airway. However, for known caustic ingestions, it is not routinely used in modern EMS practice. Caustics can damage the mucosa, and charcoal does not reliably bind these agents; giving charcoal can obscure endoscopic evaluation, delay definitive care, and increase the risk of aspiration if vomiting occurs. The appropriate approach is airway protection and close medical evaluation, with endoscopy as indicated. Some exam content may present different wording, but current practice generally discourages charcoal for caustic ingestions.