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Oesophageal button battery ingestion — ACEM Fellowship MCQ

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ModerateToxicologyOesophageal button battery ingestionACEM Fellowship

A 2-year-old boy presents to an ED, triage category 2, after swallowing a disc battery 1 hour ago. He is drooling but breathing comfortably. X-ray shows a 20 mm button battery lodged in the upper oesophagus. What is the most important immediate action?

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

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Correct answer: D — Arrange urgent endoscopic removal

An oesophageal button battery can cause rapid caustic injury and requires urgent endoscopic removal.

Reference: RCH foreign body ingestion guideline; ACEM paediatric toxicology curriculum