In poison management, which intervention takes priority after life support?

• A. Observation
• B. Activated charcoal
• C. Gastric lavage
• D. Decontamination

Answer: (D)

After life support, stopping further harm from the toxin is the immediate goal. Decontamination achieves this by removing the poison from the body or preventing its absorption, thereby reducing ongoing exposure. This umbrella approach covers actions like removing contaminated clothing, washing skin, and irrigating the eyes, and it also encompasses gastrointestinal methods when appropriate (such as activated charcoal or, in select cases, gastric lavage). The reason decontamination is prioritized is that it directly limits how much toxin can enter the system; simply observing the patient won’t stop absorption. Activated charcoal and gastric lavage are specific decontamination methods used in suitable situations, but the essential step is to decontaminate to minimize ongoing absorption.