How Long Should You Watch a Patient After Ingestion?

A four to six hour observation period is pretty reasonable for an asymptomatic patient. With a high degree of intent, I would probably watch the patient a little longer just to be safe. If there are injury to the cheeks, lips and orifranks, you should be scared that the risk of visceral burns is higher. Two out of the three following symptoms, vomiting, drooling and strider or strider alone predict serious GI injury and warrant endoscopy.