Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Test

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What are the indications for activated charcoal?

Joint pain
Swallowing stones
Poison ingestion within two hours
Burns on the skin

The correct answer is: Poison ingestion within two hours

Activated charcoal is commonly indicated for the treatment of poison ingestion, particularly when the ingestion occurred within a two-hour window. This timeframe is critical because activated charcoal works by adsorbing the substances in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby preventing their absorption into the bloodstream. The efficacy of activated charcoal diminishes significantly as time passes since the toxic substance was ingested, making timely intervention essential for optimal outcomes. In contrast, the other options do not pertain to the appropriate use of activated charcoal. Joint pain and burns on the skin do not relate to poison ingestion and would not be treated with activated charcoal. Swallowing stones presents a different medical concern involving potential obstruction, which also is not addressed by activated charcoal. Therefore, using activated charcoal is specifically appropriate in the context of poison ingestion within two hours for it to be effective.