What is the recommended management step for lye ingestion?

Ingestion of lye, a caustic substance, can cause significant damage to the esophagus and gastrointestinal tract. The recommended management step is to avoid inducing vomiting due to the potential for further injury. When a person vomits, the contents of the stomach are expelled, which may include lye that can cause severe burns to the throat and esophagus upon re-exposure.

Additionally, administering activated charcoal is not recommended in cases of corrosive substance ingestion because it may not bind the chemical properly and can also pose a risk of aspiration or further damage. Providing milk or water immediately might seem like it could dilute the lye; however, it is not advised as it may also lead to increased harm by causing the patient to vomit or fail to neutralize the lye's effects adequately.

Thus, the most appropriate management step in the case of lye ingestion is to refrain from inducing vomiting, focusing instead on supportive care and seeking emergency medical help for further treatment.