You are on the scene of a 44-year-old female patient who has attempted suicide by taking all 30 pills of her antidepressant medication at once.You are ordered by medical control to administer activated charcoal.How will activated charcoal reduce the effects of the medication?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Activated charcoal will bind to the medication, reducing absorption. This will prevent or decrease the amount of medication that is absorbed into the patient's bloodstream, thereby reducing its potential effects. Activated charcoal does not inactivate stomach acid or cause vomiting, but it can coat the intestines and prevent absorption.

You Are on the Scene of a 44-Year-Old Female Patient