A nurse is contributing to the plan of care of an unconscious adolescent who ingested a non-corrosive substance that has no recommended antidote. The nurse should recommend performing gastric lavage with which of the following substances?

Choice A rationale Activated charcoal is often used in the management of poisoning. It works by binding to the poison in the stomach and preventing it from being absorbed into the body14. Choice B rationale Osmotic diarrheal agents are not typically used in gastric lavage. These agents work by increasing the amount of water in the intestinal tract, which can stimulate bowel movements14. Choice C rationale Syrup of ipecac was once used to induce vomiting in cases of poisoning, but it is no longer recommended for use in poisoning cases14. Choice D rationale 0.9% sodium chloride, or normal saline, is a type of fluid that’s often used in medical treatments, but it’s not typically used in gastric lavage for poisoning14.