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Difficulty: MediumEmergency Response and Hazardous Materials

A practical nurse (PN) in a long-term care facility discovers an unmarked, leaking container of a strong-smelling liquid chemical on a housekeeping cart in the main corridor. Several clients are ambulating in the immediate vicinity. Which action is the priority for the PN?

  1. Evacuate clients from the immediate area to a safe zone and restrict access to the corridor.Answer
  2. B
    Put on standard examination gloves and a surgical mask to closely inspect the leaking container.
  3. C
    Delegate an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to clean up the liquid using standard floor cleaner.
  4. D
    Begin assessing the oxygen saturation and respiratory rate of the clients standing nearby.

Answer

The priority action is to evacuate the clients from the immediate area to a safe zone and restrict access to the corridor.
In the event of a hazardous material spill, the absolute first priority is the safety and protection of clients, staff, and visitors. Removing individuals from the immediate vicinity of an unknown, strong-smelling chemical prevents inhalation or contact exposure. Securing the area ensures no one else inadvertently enters the hazard zone while awaiting specialized environmental services or a hazardous materials team.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the immediate hazard and potential for harm.
An unknown, strong-smelling chemical is leaking in a populated corridor, posing inhalation and contact risks.
Recognizing the nature of the emergency determines the appropriate initial response.
2
Determine the highest priority based on emergency response protocols.
Life safety and protection from exposure are the highest priorities.
In any hazardous material situation, protecting human life takes precedence over containment, assessment, or identification.
3
Implement the safest immediate action.
Evacuate the clients away from the fumes and block off the area.
This prevents further exposure and secures the scene until properly equipped environmental personnel can respond.

Key Concept

Hazardous Materials Response and Life Safety Priority
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Topics

Emergency Response and Hazardous Materials

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