For a patient who overdosed on sustained-release medication, which intervention best explains the use of Go-Lytely?

• A. To rid the body of sustained-release medication.
• B. To prevent poisoning from spreading.
• C. To relieve nausea and vomiting.
• D. To promote hydration and electrolyte balance.

Answer: (A)

Sustained-release overdoses keep releasing drug in the GI tract long after ingestion, so removing that medication from the intestines is the key goal. Go-Lytely is a polyethylene glycol–electrolyte solution used for whole bowel irrigation to flush out the entire GI tract. This rapid, nonabsorbed solution cleanses the bowel and physically evacuates unabsorbed tablets and drug residues, which reduces ongoing absorption and lowers toxicity. While the electrolyte content helps support balance, the main purpose here is decontamination of the GI tract to rid the body of the sustained-release medication.