A nurse is conducting triage of clients transported from a mass casualty incident (MCI). A client arrives saturated with an unknown substance and medical transport reports feeling dizzy. The nurse should prioritize which actions? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY

Choice A reason:

Organizing an influenza immunization campaign is an example of primary prevention, which aims to prevent the onset of illness or injury before it occurs. Secondary prevention focuses on early detection and intervention to prevent the progression of disease or injury.

Choice B reason:

Helping plant workers identify signs of carpal tunnel syndrome is a secondary prevention strategy. It involves early detection of symptoms and providing education on how to manage and seek treatment for the condition. Early intervention can prevent the progression of carpal tunnel syndrome and reduce the risk of long-term complications.

Choice C reason:

Teaching plant workers about proper lifting techniques is an example of primary prevention. It aims to prevent injuries by educating workers on safe practices. While important, it does not fall under secondary prevention, which focuses on early detection and intervention.

Choice D reason:

Collaborating with a physical therapist to develop programs for injured employees to return to work is an example of tertiary prevention. Tertiary prevention focuses on rehabilitation and managing long-term health conditions to improve quality of life and prevent further complications.

Choice A reason:

Assigning the client to a private room is not the priority action in this scenario. The focus should be on decontamination and preventing the spread of the unknown substance to others in the emergency department. Isolation measures can be considered after initial decontamination.

Choice B reason:

Removing the client and transport crew from the Emergency department is a priority action to prevent contamination of the area and exposure to other patients and staff. This step helps contain the potential hazard and ensures the safety of everyone in the department.

Choice C reason:

Contacting the decontamination team is essential for managing the situation. The decontamination team has the expertise and equipment to safely remove the unknown substance from the client and transport crew, reducing the risk of further exposure and contamination.

Choice D reason:

Calling the scene to identify the chemical can be helpful, but it is not the immediate priority. The focus should be on decontamination and ensuring the safety of the client and others. Identifying the chemical can be done concurrently or after initial decontamination efforts.

Choice E reason:

Immediately removing the saturated clothing from the client is a critical step in the decontamination process. Removing contaminated clothing helps reduce the client’s exposure to the substance and prevents further absorption through the skin.