During a shift at a residential care facility, a practical nurse (PN) discovers a maintenance worker collapsed on the floor inside a windowless supply closet. A strong, pungent chemical odor is emanating from the room, and several spilled bottles of bleach and ammonia-based cleaners are visible near the worker, indicating the accidental creation of toxic chloramine gas. The closet door is wide open. Which of the following is the priority action for the PN to take?
- Secure the area by immediately closing the supply closet door to contain the gas, and activate the facility's hazardous materials emergency response system.Answer
- BHold their breath, quickly enter the closet to drag the worker out into the well-ventilated hallway, and immediately assess the worker's airway.
- CDon an N95 respirator, gown, and gloves in the correct sequence before entering the room to initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- DDirect two unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to enter the room together to safely lift and remove the collapsed worker from the toxic environment.
Answer
Secure the area by immediately closing the supply closet door to contain the gas, and activate the facility's hazardous materials emergency response system.
In any hazardous materials (hazmat) incident, the absolute first priority of the first responder is scene safety and containment to prevent exposure to other individuals, including themselves. Entering a toxic gas environment without a specialized self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) will cause the rescuer to be overcome by the fumes. By closing the door and activating the emergency response team, the PN protects the rest of the facility and ensures properly equipped professionals arrive to perform the rescue.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Hazardous Materials Response and Scene Safety
Estimated Time:1m 30s