When managing a patient who ingested household cleaners, which instruction is most appropriate?

Gathering the containers of chemicals that the patient may have ingested is the most appropriate instruction because it provides critical information for medical professionals who will be treating the patient. Knowing the specific cleaners involved can help determine the toxicity of the substances and guide treatment protocols. Different household cleaners contain varying active ingredients, and this information is crucial for effective and timely management of potential poisoning or toxicity.

While it may be beneficial to contact the hospital about the ingestion or to gather information about the substances, simply having the containers on hand allows healthcare providers to analyze the ingredients quickly, assess the risk, and implement the right interventions. This action can significantly speed up the clinical decision-making process in an emergency setting, where time can be critical for patient outcomes.