Activated charcoal is given in poison ingestions because it:

Activated charcoal is given in poison ingestions because it:

• A. Binds to the substance and prevents absorption
• B. Decreases absorption of poisons into the lungs
• C. Induces vomiting and empties the stomach
• D. Is a direct antidote for many toxic substances

Answer: (A)

Activated charcoal works because it acts as an adsorbent in the gastrointestinal tract, binding many toxins to its porous surface. By trapping the substance, it prevents or limits its absorption into the bloodstream, which reduces the amount of toxin that reaches the systemic circulation and helps limit poisoning. It’s most helpful when given soon after ingestion, since the toxin is still in the gut. It isn’t a way to prevent inhalation of substances, so it won’t reduce absorption into the lungs. It also isn’t a universal antidote or a chemical neutralizer; it doesn’t reverse toxins that have already been absorbed, and some substances (like certain metals and caustics) aren’t effectively adsorbed by charcoal. Additionally, it doesn’t induce vomiting.

Activated charcoal works because it acts as an adsorbent in the gastrointestinal tract, binding many toxins to its porous surface. By trapping the substance, it prevents or limits its absorption into the bloodstream, which reduces the amount of toxin that reaches the systemic circulation and helps limit poisoning. It’s most helpful when given soon after ingestion, since the toxin is still in the gut.

It isn’t a way to prevent inhalation of substances, so it won’t reduce absorption into the lungs. It also isn’t a universal antidote or a chemical neutralizer; it doesn’t reverse toxins that have already been absorbed, and some substances (like certain metals and caustics) aren’t effectively adsorbed by charcoal. Additionally, it doesn’t induce vomiting.