What should be done if a child has ingested mouse poison? - briefly
Immediately call emergency services or your local poison‑control center and follow their guidance; do not induce vomiting or give food or drink unless instructed. Transport the child promptly to the nearest emergency department for evaluation and possible antidote treatment.
What should be done if a child has ingested mouse poison? - in detail
If a child swallows rodent bait, act without delay.
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Call emergency services or the local poison‑control center immediately. Provide the child’s age, weight, time of ingestion, and any information from the product label (active ingredient, concentration, amount consumed).
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Keep the child calm and still. Do not give food, drink, or medication unless instructed by a professional.
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Do not induce vomiting unless a poison‑control specialist explicitly advises it; some toxins cause additional damage when expelled.
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If the product label is unavailable, assume the poison may be one of the common classes:
- Anticoagulant rodenticides (e.g., warfarin, bromadiolone).
- Neurotoxic agents (e.g., bromethalin).
- Hypercalcemic compounds (e.g., cholecalciferol).
- Metal phosphides (e.g., zinc phosphide).
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Medical evaluation will focus on:
- Laboratory tests: coagulation profile for anticoagulants, serum calcium for cholecalciferol, renal and hepatic panels for bromethalin.
- Antidotal therapy: Vitamin K1 administered intravenously or orally for anticoagulants; supportive care for neurotoxic agents; calcium‑binding agents for hypercalcemia.
- Decontamination: Activated charcoal may be given if presentation is within one hour and the toxin is known to bind charcoal.
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Hospital observation is required for at least 24 hours for anticoagulant exposure, due to delayed onset of bleeding. Neurotoxic and hypercalcemic poisonings may need longer monitoring for neurological or cardiac complications.
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After stabilization, discuss preventive measures with caregivers: store all rodent control products in locked, child‑proof containers; place bait stations out of reach; consider alternative, non‑chemical pest control methods.
Following these steps maximizes the likelihood of a favorable outcome and reduces the risk of long‑term harm.