A preschooler with suspected poisoning is brought to the ED. Which sequence correctly lists the actions from first to last?

• A. Assess the victim; Terminate poison exposure; Identify poison; Prevent poison absorption.
• B. Terminate poison exposure; Identify poison; Prevent poison absorption; Assess the victim.
• C. Identify poison; Assess the victim; Terminate poison exposure; Prevent poison absorption.
• D. Assess the victim; Prevent poison absorption; Terminate poison exposure; Identify poison.

Answer: (A)

In suspected poisoning, the top priorities are to stabilize the patient, stop exposure, identify the poison, and prevent further absorption. First, assess the victim to ensure airway, breathing, and circulation are intact and to detect any immediate life-threatening issues. Once the child is being supported, stop the poisoning process by removing the source and decontaminating exposed skin or eyes, which prevents more of the toxin from entering the body. After exposure is halted, determine what substance was involved by gathering information from caregivers, containers, and witnesses; knowing the specific poison guides the choice of treatments and whether antidotes are needed. Finally, take steps to prevent absorption of whatever has already entered the body, such as targeted decontamination measures (for example, appropriate use of activated charcoal when indicated) based on the identified poison and the time since ingestion. This sequence minimizes ongoing harm, supports stability first, and then tailors the intervention to the toxin involved.