What you should not do if you suspect sulfuric hydrochloric acid poisoning?

Appeared in: NVS- 2025

Explanation

Inducing vomiting (emesis) is strictly contraindicated after ingesting corrosive substances like strong acids.
The primary reason is that it causes the corrosive agent to pass back over the delicate tissues of the esophagus, pharynx, and mouth for a second time.
This re-exposure significantly increases the severity of the chemical burns and raises the risk of life-threatening complications such as esophageal perforation, mediastinitis, and aspiration pneumonitis (acid entering the lungs).

Option A: Shifting the casualty to a hospital is the most important and correct action. It is not something you should avoid.
Option B: Giving demulcents like oil or egg whites is not the primary treatment but is not as dangerous as inducing vomiting. The goal is to coat the mucosa, but dilution with water or milk is preferred.
Option D: Giving milk or water for dilution is a recommended first-aid measure for corrosive poisoning, provided the patient is conscious and can swallow.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain First aid and contraindications for corrosive acid poisoning as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A nurse's first priority in corrosive poisoning is to stabilize the patient's airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs). Airway edema can occur rapidly.
Nurses must know key contraindications: never induce vomiting, never attempt to neutralize the acid with an alkali, and never perform gastric lavage, as these actions can cause catastrophic harm.
The nurse plays a crucial role in preparing the patient for an urgent endoscopy, which is essential to evaluate the extent of internal damage and guide further treatment.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keywords in the question. The most important phrase is 'should not do', which means you are looking for a contraindicated action.
The substance is 'sulfuric hydrochloric acid', which is a strong corrosive.
Evaluate each option based on the principles of managing corrosive poisoning.
Option A (hospital): Essential for survival. This is a 'do'.
Option B (oil/egg): A demulcent, not the best action but not actively harmful like the correct answer. This is a 'maybe do' in historical contexts but not a 'do not do'.
Option C (vomiting): This would cause the acid to burn the esophagus a second time. This is a clear 'do not do'.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: First aid and contraindications for corrosive acid poisoning.
Stem keywords: sulfuric hydrochloric acid poisoning, suspect, not do
Lead-in keywords: not do
Negative lead-in flag: The question asks what action should NOT be taken, indicating a search for a contraindicated intervention.

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Practise the full NVS- 2025

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.