A patient is admitted to the emergency room with an accidental overdose of a substance that is caustic. Which therapeutic option should the nurse question?
Complete blood count (CBC)
Placement on cardiac monitor
Activated charcoal
inducing vomiting
The Correct Answer is D
A. Complete blood count (CBC): A CBC is a standard laboratory test to evaluate overall health and detect a wide range of disorders, including infection or anemia. It is not contraindicated and may be necessary for comprehensive patient care.
B. Placement on a cardiac monitor: Cardiac monitoring is appropriate in cases of overdose as many substances can affect the heart. It helps in early detection of any arrhythmias or other cardiac complications.
C. Activated charcoal: Activated charcoal is typically used to bind substances in the gastrointestinal tract to prevent absorption. However, in the case of a caustic substance, it is generally contraindicated because it does not bind well to such substances and may obscure endoscopic evaluation.
D. Inducing vomiting: Inducing vomiting is contraindicated in cases of caustic substance ingestion because it can cause additional damage to the esophagus and mouth. It is important to avoid this action to prevent further injury.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Hemoglobin 12 mg/dL: Hemoglobin levels reflect the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood and are not directly related to kidney function or medication dosage adjustments. This value is within the normal range and does not suggest a need for medication dosage changes.
B. Glucose 100 mg/dL: Blood glucose levels are not directly related to kidney function and do not indicate the need to adjust medication dosages. This value is within normal limits.
C. Creatinine 8 mg/dL: Creatinine levels are a key indicator of kidney function. A creatinine level of 8 mg/dL is significantly elevated, suggesting severe renal impairment. Medications that are excreted by the kidneys may need to be dosed lower or avoided altogether to prevent toxicity.
D. Potassium 4.0 mEq/L: This is a normal potassium level and does not indicate the need for medication dosage adjustments. While potassium levels are important in kidney disease, this specific value does not suggest a dosage change is necessary.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Ensure that the skin is clean and dry. Cleaning and drying the skin removes dirt, oils, and moisture that could impede the absorption of the medication. This is the first step to ensure maximum efficacy of the topical ointment.
B. Don gloves prior to administration. While wearing gloves is important for infection control and personal protection, it does not directly facilitate the absorption of the ointment into the patient's skin.
C. Take the patient's vital signs. Checking vital signs is a general nursing practice but is unrelated to the application of topical ointments and does not affect absorption.
D. Apply to non-irritated areas of the skin. Applying to non-irritated skin is important to avoid exacerbating skin issues, but it’s not the first step to facilitate absorption. Ensuring the skin is clean and dry takes precedence.
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