A mother calls the pediatrician's office to report that her 18-month-old child has eaten half of a bottle of baby aspirin. She says, "I have a bottle of syrup of ipecac. Should I give it to him? He seems fine right now. What do I do?" What is the nurse's best response?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The American Academy of Pediatrics no longer recommends the use of syrup of ipecac for home treatment for poisoning. In all cases of poisoning, if the victim is conscious and alert, call the local poison control center. If the victim has collapsed or stopped breathing, call 911 for emergency transport to a hospital. See: Patient-Centered Care: Lifespan Considerations for the Pediatric Patient Syrup of Ipecac and Poisoning.

A Mother Calls the Pediatrician's Office to Report That Her