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Iron poisoning (paediatric) — MCCQE Part 1 MCQ

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ModeratePoisoning/OverdoseIron poisoning (paediatric)MCCQE Part 1

A 3-year-old boy ingested ~20 iron tablets (325mg FeSO4) 2h ago. One vomiting episode. Stable vitals. Most appropriate initial management?

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Correct answer: C — Serum iron level at 4-6h post-ingestion and prepare for whole bowel irrigation

Iron poisoning: activated charcoal does NOT bind iron. Serum iron at 4-6h (peak). WBI with PEG for decontamination. >90 micromol/L = severe toxicity needing deferoxamine chelation.

Reference: Canadian Poison Centres