Iron Poisoning — RACP Adult Medicine MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateNephrologyIron PoisoningRACP Adult Medicine

A 3-year-old child is brought to ED after ingesting an unknown number of grandmother's iron tablets. Serum iron level is 90 μmol/L (normal <30). He has persistent vomiting and metabolic acidosis. Abdominal X-ray shows radiopaque tablets in the stomach. What is the most appropriate specific antidote?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A — Desferrioxamine

Serum iron >90 μmol/L with GI symptoms and metabolic acidosis indicates severe iron poisoning. Desferrioxamine (IV infusion 15 mg/kg/hr) chelates free iron. Whole bowel irrigation may be used for tablets visible on AXR. Iron poisoning progresses through GI, latent, shock/hepatotoxicity, and stricture phases.

Reference: Toxicology Handbook (Murray) 3rd Ed; eTG – 2024