A child with acute iron-tablet poisoning has persistent vomiting, abdominal pain, hypotension, metabolic acidosis, and a markedly elevated serum iron concentration. Which actions are appropriate? Select exactly 3 responses.
Select All That Apply
Choose your responses, then check the answer.
Explanation
Severe acute iron poisoning requires supportive resuscitation, toxicology consultation, and chelation with carefully administered deferoxamine when indicated.
Quick answer Combine resuscitation and deferoxamine chelation.
Why this is correct Deferoxamine is labeled as an adjunct to standard measures for acute iron intoxication. IV administration requires rate and blood-pressure attention, particularly in cardiovascular collapse.
Easy analogy or mental picture Stabilize the client while the chelator gathers the circulating iron.
Memory hook Iron poisoning: support first, chelate when indicated, watch pressure.
NCLEX decision rule Treat the clinical severity and exposure promptly with poison-center guidance.
Why the other choices are wrong Activated charcoal does not reliably bind iron, waiting for stool changes delays care, and phlebotomy treats a different iron-overload problem.
References
1DailyMed: Deferoxamine MesylateAdjunct treatment and administration safeguards for acute iron intoxication
Acute iron poisoningTrend hemodynamics, acid-base status, glucose, electrolytes, serum iron, abdominal findings, and deferoxamine response.