Where will the restraints be tied to the patient’s bed when the nurse is applying soft wrist restraints to the patient?

Choice A reason: This is an incorrect choice because soaking the crusted areas of tape with adhesive remover is not the best approach to change nasogastric tube tape that has become crusted with secretions. Adhesive remover is a solvent that can dissolve the glue that holds the tape to the skin. However, it can also irritate the skin and cause redness, burning, or allergic reactions. The nurse should avoid using adhesive remover on the patient's face, especially near the eyes, nose, or mouth.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect choice because saturating the tape with a denatured alcohol solution is not the best approach to change nasogastric tube tape that has become crusted with secretions. Denatured alcohol is a mixture of ethanol and other chemicals that can dissolve the glue that holds the tape to the skin. However, it can also dry out the skin and cause cracking, peeling, or bleeding. The nurse should avoid using denatured alcohol on the patient's face, especially near the eyes, nose, or mouth.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect choice because using blunt-edged scissors to loosen the tape from the skin is not the best approach to change nasogastric tube tape that has become crusted with secretions. Blunt-edged scissors are scissors that have rounded tips instead of sharp points. They can be used to cut the tape without injuring the skin. However, they can also pull or tug on the skin and cause pain, discomfort, or damage. The nurse should avoid using scissors on the patient's face, especially near the eyes, nose, or mouth.

Choice D reason: This is the correct choice because softening the secretions using a warm moist washcloth is the best approach to change nasogastric tube tape that has become crusted with secretions. A warm moist washcloth is a cloth that is soaked in warm water and wrung out. It can be applied gently to the crusted areas of tape to soften the secretions and loosen the tape from the skin. It can also soothe the skin and prevent irritation or infection. The nurse should use a clean washcloth for each application and discard it after use.

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.