A child is in the clinic after swallowing a metal bead. A radiograph of the GI tract shows a 6 mm cylindrical object in the child's stomach. The child is able to swallow without difficulty and is not experiencing pain. What is the correct course of treatment?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Since the child is not in distress and can swallow without difficulty, the best course of action is to monitor and wait for the object to pass naturally through the GI tract. Administering ipecac, using a nasogastric tube, or referring for endoscopic removal are more invasive measures that are not necessary in this scenario.

A Child Is in the Clinic After Swallowing a Metal