What is the primary purpose of gastric lavage?

The primary purpose of gastric lavage is to remove ingested substances, particularly in cases of poisoning or overdose. This medical procedure involves the insertion of a tube through the nose or mouth into the stomach, followed by the infusion of a saline solution, which helps to flush out the contents of the stomach. This is crucial in emergency situations where a patient has ingested harmful substances, as it can help prevent further absorption of those toxins into the bloodstream. By effectively removing these ingested substances, gastric lavage can mitigate the potential danger to the patient's health.

Other procedures, like administering oral medications or enhancing nutrient absorption, do not align with the primary intention of gastric lavage, which is specifically focused on addressing the immediate consequences of harmful ingestions. Similarly, while increasing gastric emptying can be beneficial in certain contexts, it is not the objective of gastric lavage, which is primarily about clearing out harmful materials rather than accelerating the natural process of digestion or absorption.