Question:

Gastric lavage is NOT contraindicated after ingestion of which acid?

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One corrosive is the famous exception where lavage is still allowed - phenol.
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
  • HCl
  • H2SO4
  • Carbolic acid
  • Nitric acid
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Gastric lavage is generally contraindicated in corrosive poisoning, because passing a tube can perforate an already damaged, friable oesophagus or stomach. This applies to alkalis, mineral acids and most organic acids.
Step 2: Hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid and nitric acid are strong mineral corrosives, so lavage is contraindicated for all three, ruling out options (a), (b) and (d).
Step 3: Carbolic acid (phenol) is the single important exception. It is corrosive but lavage is still permitted and useful, making option (c) correct.
Step 4: Therefore the acid after which gastric lavage is NOT contraindicated is carbolic acid.
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