What is the recommended treatment for Iron overdose?

Prepare for the Critical Care Paramedic Test with our comprehensive guide. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations to boost your readiness. Ace your exam!

The recommended treatment for iron overdose is deferoxamine, which is a chelating agent specifically used to bind excess iron in the body. When iron is ingested in large quantities, it can lead to toxicity, causing damage to various organs, particularly the liver and heart. Deferoxamine works by forming a complex with free iron, which is then excreted in the urine. This treatment is critical in preventing serious complications from iron overload and is especially effective when administered promptly after the overdose occurs.

Unlike other options, deferoxamine targets the specific problem of iron toxicity, while activated charcoal may not be effective after a certain time has elapsed post-ingestion of iron. Sodium bicarbonate does not address iron toxicity; it is mainly used to treat metabolic acidosis. Vitamin K is unrelated to iron overdoses, as it is used for coagulation disorders but does not influence iron levels in any significant way. Therefore, deferoxamine is the most appropriate and effective choice in cases of iron overdose.

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