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How do you BEST treat a poison victim?

  1. Monitor victim's vital signs, maintain open airway, and administer CPR

  2. Contact Poison Control for treatment instructions

  3. Give the victim water to dilute the poison

  4. Keep the victim awake and alert

The correct answer is: Monitor victim's vital signs, maintain open airway, and administer CPR

Treating a poison victim effectively involves several critical steps to ensure their safety and to stabilize their condition. The best approach typically emphasizes monitoring vital signs, maintaining an open airway, and being prepared to administer CPR if necessary. Monitoring vital signs helps assess the victim’s condition in real-time, allowing responders to identify any changes that might indicate worsening health or the need for advanced medical intervention. Maintaining an open airway is crucial because many toxic substances can compromise a person’s ability to breathe effectively. Administering CPR is a life-saving technique that should be ready to implement if the victim becomes unresponsive or has no pulse, indicating a severe emergency. In contrast, while contacting Poison Control for treatment instructions is a valuable action, it does not directly stabilize the victim’s immediate health needs. Giving water to dilute the poison can sometimes be contraindicated based on the type of toxin involved, as certain substances react negatively with water. Keeping the victim awake and alert may not be possible or appropriate, especially if they are unconscious or disoriented due to the poison. Thus, the response centered around vital signs, airway management, and CPR addresses the immediate dangers of poisoning, ensuring the victim receives comprehensive and life-sustaining care.