In a child with caustic ingestion who is conscious and breathing and has mouth burns, the immediate management is to:

In a child with caustic ingestion who is conscious and breathing and has mouth burns, the immediate management is to:

• A. Induce vomiting
• B. Monitor airway and give oxygen
• C. Administer activated charcoal
• D. Immediate rapid transport without airway management

Answer: (B)

Protecting the airway and supporting breathing is the immediate priority in a child who has ingested a caustic substance and has mouth burns. Caustics can cause rapid and progressive swelling of the airway, especially in children, so you want to monitor for signs of airway compromise (stridor, drooling, hoarseness) and provide oxygen to keep tissue well-oxygenated. Early, careful observation and oxygen administration help prevent hypoxia if edema develops. Inducing vomiting is avoided because returning the caustic material up the esophagus can re-irritate and injure the lining and increase the risk of aspiration. Activated charcoal isn’t beneficial for caustic ingestions and can interfere with airway protection or subsequent endoscopic assessment, so it’s not indicated here. Rapid transport is essential, but it should be alongside vigilant airway monitoring and readiness to secure the airway if signs of deterioration appear.

Protecting the airway and supporting breathing is the immediate priority in a child who has ingested a caustic substance and has mouth burns. Caustics can cause rapid and progressive swelling of the airway, especially in children, so you want to monitor for signs of airway compromise (stridor, drooling, hoarseness) and provide oxygen to keep tissue well-oxygenated. Early, careful observation and oxygen administration help prevent hypoxia if edema develops.

Inducing vomiting is avoided because returning the caustic material up the esophagus can re-irritate and injure the lining and increase the risk of aspiration. Activated charcoal isn’t beneficial for caustic ingestions and can interfere with airway protection or subsequent endoscopic assessment, so it’s not indicated here.

Rapid transport is essential, but it should be alongside vigilant airway monitoring and readiness to secure the airway if signs of deterioration appear.