A nurse in a provider's office is caring for a group of clients who have communicable diseases. Which of the following infections should the nurse report to the state health department?

A) "Document the infiltration.": While documenting the infiltration is important for medical records, it is not the most immediate action to take. The nurse’s first priority should be to stop the infusion to prevent further complications such as tissue damage or excessive fluid accumulation around the insertion site.

B) "Elevate the arm.": Elevating the arm may help with swelling if the infiltration is mild, but it does not address the primary issue of preventing further fluid leakage. Stopping the infusion is the priority action to stop the infiltration from worsening.

C) "Apply a warm compress.": A warm compress can help with the absorption of infiltrated fluid, but it should not be applied until the infusion is stopped. If the infusion continues while a compress is applied, it could lead to further tissue damage and more discomfort for the client.

D) "Stop the infusion.": The first action should be to stop the IV infusion to prevent further infiltration. This stops the flow of fluid into the tissue, which is crucial in minimizing the risk of tissue damage and complications. After stopping the infusion, the nurse can assess the site, document the findings, and take additional actions, such as applying a warm compress or elevating the arm.

A) Open the fireplace dampers in the day room:
Opening the fireplace dampers in the event of an external chemical disaster would not be appropriate. In fact, this could allow toxic air or chemicals to enter the facility. It is important to seal off ventilation points that might allow the chemicals to enter, such as windows, doors, and any other openings, rather than opening the dampers.

B) Move clients to a room above ground with few windows:
In the event of an external chemical disaster, moving clients to a room above ground with few windows is a key safety measure. Rooms that are above ground level tend to be safer in such situations because chemicals may settle at ground level, increasing exposure risks to those below ground. A room with few windows is also important because it minimizes potential entry points for toxic substances from outside. The focus is on containing the air supply and limiting exposure to harmful agents.

C) Turn on fans in the facility to circulate air:
Turning on fans in the facility during a chemical disaster could worsen the situation by spreading toxic air or chemicals throughout the building. Fans are generally used to circulate air, but in this context, they would not be helpful and could potentially increase exposure to harmful substances. Instead, the focus should be on reducing airflow from the outside and sealing off the building.

D) Cover the electrical outlets with wet towels:
Covering electrical outlets with wet towels is not an effective response to an external chemical disaster. While wet towels can be useful in some scenarios for filtering or protecting from certain substances, in a chemical disaster, the priority is to ensure proper ventilation control and to protect from airborne chemicals by sealing the room. Electrical outlets should be covered for safety only when there is a risk of electrical hazards, but not necessarily in the case of a chemical disaster unless there is specific concern about sparks or fire.