Which method uses large-volume laxatives to flush the gastrointestinal tract?

• A. Activated charcoal
• B. Cathartics
• C. Whole-bowel irrigation
• D. Chelating agents

Answer: (C)

Whole-bowel irrigation uses large-volume laxatives to perform a thorough cleansing of the entire gastrointestinal tract. It relies on a large amount of an iso-osmotic polyethylene glycol–electrolyte solution that the patient ingests (or is infused), which travels through the stomach and intestines and draws water into the lumen, flushing out contents as it moves along. This approach is particularly helpful when complete decontamination is needed—such as after ingestion of substances that aren’t easily bound by other decontaminants or when rapid, full-tract clearance is desired. Activated charcoal works by binding toxins in the gut but doesn’t flush the entire tract; cathartics promote bowel movements with typically smaller volumes and don’t guarantee full cleansing; chelating agents remove specific metals rather than physically evacuating the GI contents.