What is the purpose of gastric lavage?

The purpose of gastric lavage is to cleanse and irrigate the stomach. This procedure involves the introduction of a saline solution into the stomach through a tube, which is then suctioned out along with the stomach contents. It is often utilized in cases of overdose or poisoning to remove harmful substances that have been ingested and might still be present in the stomach.

While other options suggest beneficial actions, they do not accurately describe the specific intent of gastric lavage. For instance, removing blood and waste from the intestines relates more to procedures involving the lower gastrointestinal tract, rather than the stomach itself. Diagnosing gastrointestinal diseases typically involves other methods, such as imaging or endoscopy, rather than lavage. Enhancing nutrient absorption is more relevant to the role of the intestines and not a direct result of gastric lavage, which focuses on clearing contents rather than nutrient uptake.