What is the immediate intervention for a child who has ingested bleach?

The immediate intervention for a child who has ingested bleach is to dilute the substance with water or milk. This is appropriate because bleach is caustic and can cause significant damage to the mucous membranes and gastrointestinal tract if it remains concentrated. By diluting bleach, the harmful effects can be lessened, as it decreases the concentration of the chemical, making it less irritating and harmful.

Additionally, diluting the bleach can help minimize the risk of ongoing injury as the substance is passed through the digestive system. It is critical to avoid inducing vomiting, as this could lead to additional harm by causing the bleach to travel back up the esophagus, increasing the risk of damage. Similarly, administering activated charcoal is typically not recommended in cases of corrosive ingestion since it does not effectively bind to caustic substances like bleach and may complicate the clinical picture. Inserting a nasogastric tube is not a standard intervention in such cases and could also exacerbate injury. Thus, diluting the substance right after ingestion is a safer and more effective immediate treatment.