Which parental statement requires immediate nursing intervention following a possible poison exposure?

• A. I gave my toddler a tablespoon of Ipecac syrup
• B. I will call poison control
• C. I rinsed the child's mouth with water
• D. I removed the toddler from exposure

Answer: (A)

Inducing vomiting with an emetic is no longer recommended as a first aid step for poisoning. Giving ipecac syrup can cause the child to vomit, which risks aspiration into the lungs, can worsen damage if the poison is caustic or hydrocarbon-based, and may delay professional treatment. Because this action can cause more harm, it requires immediate nursing intervention to correct the caregiver’s plan and to provide guidance consistent with current safety guidelines. The other actions described—rinsing the mouth, removing the child from exposure, and calling poison control for instructions—are appropriate immediate steps, but the key issue here is stopping the at-home attempt to induce vomiting and ensuring professional guidance is obtained right away.