A 2-year-old may have ingested a button battery and shows signs of distress. What is the priority intervention?

When a 2-year-old is suspected of having ingested a button battery, the priority intervention is to prepare the patient for hospitalization. This situation is considered a medical emergency because button batteries can cause serious injuries. The alkaline composition of the battery can lead to chemical burns and tissue damage in the gastrointestinal tract within a short period—often within a couple of hours.

Hospitalization allows for immediate evaluation and management, typically involving imaging studies to identify the location of the battery and possibly surgical intervention if it is lodged in a critical area or if there are signs of injury. The child's symptoms of distress may indicate potential complications that require rapid and appropriate medical intervention.

Other options, such as administering honey or offering sips of water, are not appropriate in this situation. Honey has been studied for certain types of ingestions like certain types of foreign bodies but is not recommended for button battery ingestion. Providing water might increase the risk of further complications if the battery has already caused damage. Discharging the patient with return instructions does not provide the urgent care necessary in this emergency scenario.