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Caustic ingestion — RCPSC EM MCQ

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ModerateGI/Abdominal emergenciesCaustic ingestionRCPSC EM

A 37-year-old intentionally drinks an alkaline drain cleaner 2 hours before arrival. He has drooling, odynophagia, and burns on the lips but no peritonitis. Vitals are stable and airway assessment is reassuring. What is the most appropriate investigation?

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Correct answer: D — Early upper endoscopy after airway and perforation assessment

Early upper endoscopy after airway and perforation assessment is correct: the clues indicate Caustic ingestion and this option addresses the immediate ED priority. The distractors delay care, target a less likely problem, or are unsafe in this physiology.

Reference: Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies; Canadian poison centre practice