What is the most appropriate intervention for a patient who has recently overdosed on diazepam?

In cases of overdose, the priority is to reduce the absorption of the drug and provide supportive care to the patient. Gastric lavage can be appropriate in certain situations, particularly when it is performed shortly after the overdose and the patient is alert and able to maintain their airway. It is most effective when the ingested substance can still be removed from the stomach, and it is essential when the quantity of the drug taken poses a significant risk to the patient's health.

Activated charcoal is commonly used as well, as it can bind to the drug in the gastrointestinal tract, preventing further absorption into the system. However, if the patient has a compromised airway or is at risk of aspiration, gastric lavage may be deemed a better option to quickly reduce the quantity of diazepam in the system.

Inducing vomiting is generally not recommended in cases of overdose due to the risks of aspiration and complications arising from the patient's current state, especially with a central nervous system depressant like diazepam.

Providing supportive care alone is crucial but may not be sufficient in handling the immediate threat of the overdose, especially if the overdose is severe. Therefore, the intervention of gastric lavage aligns more closely with the goal of removing the toxin from the body effectively within the appropriate window of time.