Tuesday September 22, 2009
Hydroflouric acid exposure

Case: 23 year male while working in the refinery while disconnecting the hose was exposed to hydrofluoric acid. Patient had inhalation of hydrofluoric acid. Patient had no past medical history. Which of the following should be done first?

a. Albuterol nebulizer with 2.5 mg albuterol
b. Albuterol nebulizer with 10mg albuterol
c. Calcium gluconate nebulizer treatment
d. 10% mucomyst treatment


Answer : C

Calcium gluconate should be used after hydrofluoric acid exposure, and if there are any skin lesions it should be applied there too. Patient should be observed for 24-48 for development of pulmonary edema. Ionized calcium should be monitored very closely, and should be supplemented with intravenous calcium gluconate if low.


Related article: Medical treatment for Hydroflouric acid exposure (pdf)