Which statement about antidotes is true?

The statement that an antidote will neutralize or counteract the effects of a poison is accurate because that is the primary function of an antidote in toxicology. Antidotes work by directly interacting with the toxic substance to diminish its harmful effects on the body. For example, activated charcoal serves to absorb certain types of ingested poisons, while substances like naloxone specifically target opioid receptors to reverse the effects of toxicity.

It's important to understand that antidotes are not universally effective against all poisons, which aligns with the limitation of the other statements. Some poisons may not have specific antidotes available, and in such cases, supportive care becomes crucial. While certain antidotes can be administered outside of a hospital setting, their use is more common in medical facilities where comprehensive care can be provided. Therefore, the role and effectiveness of an antidote are vital in emergency medicine and toxicology management, making the idea that it neutralizes or counteracts poisons the best representation of their function.