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Difficulty: EasyEmergency Response and Hazardous Materials

A practical nurse (PN) discovers a large spill of an industrial cleaning solvent in the hallway of a long-term care facility. Which of the following actions should the PN take? Select all that apply.

  1. Restrict access to the affected hallway to prevent clients and staff from entering the area.Answer
  2. Notify the facility's designated environmental services or hazardous materials response team.Answer
  3. Consult the facility's Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to determine specific hazards associated with the solvent.Answer
  4. D
    Wait to apply personal protective equipment (PPE) until after isolating the spilled fluid with caution tape.
  5. E
    Request that unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) examine the spill to identify the exact chemical brand.

Answer

The correct actions are to restrict access to the hallway, notify environmental services or the hazmat team, and consult the Safety Data Sheet.
In the event of a hazardous material spill, the practical nurse's immediate priorities are to ensure the safety of everyone by restricting access, alerting the specialized teams trained to handle the substance, and checking the Safety Data Sheet for any specific exposure protocols.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the immediate physical and chemical threat posed by the large solvent spill.
The spill is recognized as a hazardous situation requiring immediate containment.
Rapid recognition of a hazard is the first step in protecting clients and staff from injury or chemical exposure.
2
Secure the environment and limit access to the affected area.
Clients and staff are kept away from the spill.
Preventing individuals from walking through or breathing near the chemical minimizes the risk of widespread exposure.
3
Activate the facility's chemical spill protocol by notifying specialized personnel and checking the SDS.
Trained experts handle the cleanup while the nurse understands the specific risks.
Nurses are responsible for initial safety and coordination, not the physical cleanup of large industrial chemicals, which requires specialized training.

Key Concept

Hazardous Material Spill Protocol
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Topics

Emergency Response and Hazardous Materials

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