A patient with chemical exposure requiring antidotal management received which administration?

• A. Calcium gluconate administration
• B. Escharotomy of the right upper extremity
• C. Magnesium sulfate administration
• D. Propylene Blue administration

Answer: (A)

When a chemical exposure involves fluoride, the antidote is calcium gluconate. Fluoride ions penetrate tissues and can cause deep burns and systemic hypocalcemia, so providing calcium helps to neutralize fluoride and limit ongoing injury. This can be applied topically for skin exposures or given regionally around the wound, and IV calcium gluconate is used if there are deeper or systemic signs. The goal is to supply calcium ions that bind fluoride, forming insoluble compounds and preventing further calcium depletion.

Other options don’t serve as antidotes for fluoride exposure: escharotomy is a surgical procedure to relieve pressure from circumferential burns, not an antidote; magnesium sulfate is used for other indications such as magnesium deficiency or certain arrhythmias; propylene blue treats methemoglobinemia, not hydrofluoric acid toxicity.