A small amount of mercury was spilled on the floor after an old sphygmomanometer was broken. What is the priority action of the nurse?

Wipe up the liquid using paper towels and nitrile gloves.

Disinfect the area with a solution of chlorine bleach.

Contact the housekeeping staff to mop up the liquid.

Consult the agency’s materials safety data sheets (MSDS).

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason: This is incorrect. Wiping up the liquid with paper towels and gloves can spread the mercury droplets and increase the risk of exposure. Mercury can also penetrate through nitrile gloves and cause skin irritation.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Disinfecting the area with chlorine bleach can create toxic vapours that can harm the respiratory system. Chlorine bleach is not effective in removing mercury from the surface.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect. Contacting the housekeeping staff to mop up the liquid can delay the proper clean-up and disposal of mercury. Mopping can also disperse the mercury droplets and contaminate the mop and the water.

Choice D reason: This is correct. Consulting the agency’s materials safety data sheets (MSDS) is the priority action of the nurse. MSDS provide information on the hazards, precautions, and procedures for handling and disposing of mercury. The nurse should follow the MSDS guidelines and use the appropriate equipment and methods to clean up the spill.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is an incorrect choice because exposure-related accident is not the type of error when the wrong type of medication is administered to the patient. Exposure-related accident is an incident that occurs when a person is exposed to a harmful substance or environment, such as radiation, chemicals, or extreme temperatures.

Choice B reason: This is the correct choice because procedure-related accident is the type of error when the wrong type of medication is administered to the patient. Procedure-related accident is an incident that occurs when a person is harmed by a medical or surgical procedure, such as a wrong-site surgery, a medication error, or a catheter infection.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect choice because organization-related accident is not the type of error when the wrong type of medication is administered to the patient. Organization-related accident is an incident that occurs due to a failure of the system or the management of an organization, such as a lack of communication, a poor policy, or a staffing shortage.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect choice because equipment-related accident is not the type of error when the wrong type of medication is administered to the patient. Equipment-related accident is an incident that occurs due to a malfunction or misuse of a device or a machine, such as a ventilator, a defibrillator, or a syringe.

A. The patient frequently uses an alcohol-based sanitizer for hand hygiene. B. The patient takes acetaminophen 1000 mg every 4 hours around the clock. C. The patient takes alprazolam 0.25 mg every 8 hours. D. The patient rinses with a fluoride mouthwash after brushing the teeth.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is incorrect. The patient frequently using an alcohol-based sanitizer for hand hygiene does not pose a risk for poisoning. Alcohol-based sanitizers are safe and effective for reducing the transmission of germs.

Choice B reason: This is correct. The patient taking acetaminophen 1000 mg every 4 hours around the clock poses a risk for poisoning. Acetaminophen is a common over-the-counter pain reliever that can cause liver damage or failure if taken in excess or for a prolonged period of time. The maximum daily dose of acetaminophen for adults is 4000 mg.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect. The patient taking alprazolam 0.25 mg every 8 hours does not pose a risk for poisoning. Alprazolam is a prescription medication that belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs. It is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It can cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, or dependence, but not poisoning.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect. The patient rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash after brushing the teeth does not pose a risk for poisoning. Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent tooth decay and strengthen the enamel. It is added to many dental products and public water supplies. It can cause mild stomach upset if swallowed in large amounts, but not poisoning.

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A small amount of mercury was spilled on the floor after an old sphygmomanometer was broken. What is the priority action of the nurse?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which type of error is it when the wrong type of medication is administered to the patient?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Which assessment finding leads the nurse to add risk for poisoning to the patient’s care plan?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Which key elements are included in decentralized decision making? (Select all that apply)

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Which type of error is it when the wrong type of medication is administered to the patient?

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Which patient would benefit from the use of lubricant eye ointment?