Should I Raise a Concern or Return to the Doctor?
Hello, I recently had a visit to the emergency department after accidentally consuming bleach. Although my oxygen saturation reading was normal when checked with a finger pulse oximeter, the blood test indicated that my partial pressure of oxygen was significantly low. According to information I found on Patients Know Best (NHS UK), it mentions that oxygen therapy was administered to me, but that was not the case during my visit. What steps should I take next? Is it appropriate for me to file a complaint? I am a 19-year-old female and, in addition to having swallowed a toilet cleaner called Harpic, I am currently taking medications such as quetiapine, citalopram, promethazine, and a statin. Following this incident, I was also prescribed omeprazole for further management.
Answers (1)
7/21/2025, 5:21:11 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned following an incident of bleach consumption, especially given the conflicting information you've encountered about your treatment. Your health and clarity about your medical care are important.
Main Points:
- Assess Remaining Symptoms: Monitor any ongoing symptoms from the bleach exposure.
- Communication with Healthcare Providers: Document your experience and any discrepancies to discuss.
- Consider Filing a Complaint: If there was a significant error in your care or communication, filing a complaint may be appropriate.
Explanation: Swallowing bleach can be hazardous, and it's good to hear your oxygen saturation was normal initially. However, low oxygen levels in a blood test suggest that there may have been an underlying concern that needs attention. It's also important to note how your current medications might interact with any treatment or complications from this incident.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of how you're feeling over the next few days. Watch for any new symptoms such as difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, or gastrointestinal distress.
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Document Everything: Write down details about your visit, treatments you received, and any discrepancies in your care. Include how you felt during the visit and any treatment you expected that did not happen (like oxygen therapy). This can be valuable for discussions with healthcare providers.
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Follow Up with Your Doctor: Reach out to your primary care physician or mental health provider to discuss your current health status, your medications, and any concerns from the emergency visit. This will help clarify your treatment plan and ensure your safety moving forward.
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Consider Filing a Complaint: If you feel that your care was inadequate or if you continue to feel concerned about your treatment, you may consider filing a complaint. Contact the hospital’s patient advocacy or customer service department for guidance on the process.
Your health and peace of mind are priorities, so take each of these steps to ensure you're receiving the appropriate follow-up and support. If you have further questions or concerns, feel free to ask!
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