A mother rushes into the emergency department carrying her toddler who has been exposed to some cleaning products.

The child has a chemical smell on their hands, face, and clothes.
After ensuring the airway is patent, which action should the nurse take first?

Obtain equipment for gastric lavage.

Determine the type of chemical exposure.

Assess the child for altered sensorium.

Call the poison control emergency number.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale
Gastric lavage is a procedure that involves the insertion of a tube into the stomach to remove its contents and is typically used in cases of poisoning or drug overdose. However, it should not be the first action taken. The type of chemical exposure needs to be determined first to guide appropriate treatment.
Choice B rationale
Determining the type of chemical exposure is crucial as it guides the subsequent steps in management. Different chemicals can have different effects on the body and require different treatments.
Choice C rationale
While assessing for altered sensorium is important in a child exposed to chemicals, it is not the first action. The nurse needs to identify the type of chemical the child was exposed to in order to anticipate potential complications and guide treatment.
Choice D rationale

Calling the poison control emergency number is an important step in managing a case of chemical exposure. However, having information about the type of chemical the child was exposed to can make this call more effective.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Reinforcing the connection of the chest tube to the container with tape is not the immediate action to be taken when a client becomes suddenly short of breath and anxious. This action might be necessary if the connection between the chest tube and the container is loose, but it does not address the immediate need of the client.
Choice B rationale
If a client with a chest tube becomes suddenly short of breath and anxious, the nurse should immediately clamp the chest tube with a plastic clamp. This is because the chest tube might have been disconnected from the water seal chamber, and clamping the tube can prevent air from entering the pleural space and causing a tension pneumothorax.
Choice C rationale

Applying an occlusive dressing over the site of the chest tube is not the immediate action to be taken when a client becomes suddenly short of breath and anxious. This action might be necessary if the chest tube is accidentally removed, but it does not address the immediate need of the client.
Choice D rationale
Ensuring that the chest tubing is neither kinked nor hanging low is an important part of the ongoing care for a client with a chest tube, but it is not the immediate action to be taken when a client becomes suddenly short of breath and anxious.

A. Reassure that this can be a normal post-surgical sensation. B. Guide in moving the unaffected limb to override the sensation being experienced. C. Explain that the sensations of tingling and pain are not real. D. Affirm that a prosthetic with physical therapy will gradually improve the symptoms.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale
While it’s true that phantom limb pain can be a normal post-surgical sensation, simply reassuring the patient doesn’t address the pain they’re experiencing.
Choice B rationale
Guiding in moving the unaffected limb to override the sensation being experienced is not a recommended intervention for phantom limb pain. Phantom limb pain is a complex phenomenon that is not simply overridden by movement of other body parts.

Choice C rationale
Explaining that the sensations of tingling and pain are not real may invalidate the patient’s experience. Phantom limb pain is a real phenomenon experienced by many amputees. It’s not just a sensation; it’s a type of neuropathic pain that can be severe and debilitating.
Choice D rationale
Affirming that a prosthetic with physical therapy will gradually improve the symptoms is the best non-pharmacological intervention among the choices. Physical therapy, including mirror therapy and other desensitization techniques, can help manage phantom limb pain. The use of a prosthetic can help the patient regain function and mobility, which can also improve their overall well-being and potentially reduce the perception of phantom limb pain.

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A mother rushes into the emergency department carrying her toddler who has been exposed to some cleaning products. The child has a chemical smell on their hands, face, and clothes. After ensuring the airway is patent, which action should the nurse take first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with a right hemopneumothorax has a chest tube connected to suction. While turning to the left side, the client becomes suddenly short of breath and anxious. What should the nurse do next?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse is providing postoperative care for an adolescent who had a left leg amputation due to osteosarcoma and is experiencing phantom limb pain. What non-pharmacological intervention should the nurse provide?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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A mother rushes into the emergency department carrying her toddler who has been exposed to some cleaning products.

The child has a chemical smell on their hands, face, and clothes.
After ensuring the airway is patent, which action should the nurse take first?