What is one possible action if an overdose of tablet medication occurs?

Gastric lavage, often referred to as stomach pumping, is a procedure used in cases of medication overdose. It involves flushing out the contents of the stomach using a saline solution, which can be effective in reducing the absorption of the drug into the bloodstream if performed shortly after the ingestion of the medication. This action is critical in the management of overdoses, as it can help to remove potentially harmful substances before they are absorbed, therefore minimizing the toxic effects on the body.

In situations involving an overdose, the priority is to mitigate the effects of the drug and protect the patient’s well-being. Other methods, such as immediate surgery, may not be suitable or necessary in cases of medication overdose unless there are additional complications, while increased dosing is counterproductive and dangerous in an overdose scenario. Intravenous hydration may be part of supportive care, but it does not specifically address the removal of the drug from the system and is not a direct action for managing the overdose itself. Therefore, gastric lavage is the most appropriate response when considering how to manage an overdose effectively.