A practical nurse (PN) is assigned to assist with a client who arrived at the emergency department covered in a toxic liquid agricultural pesticide. Which actions should the PN take? (Select all that apply.)
- Put on a fluid-resistant gown, gloves, and face shield prior to client contact.Answer
- Remove the client's contaminated clothing and seal it in a designated hazardous materials bag.Answer
- Irrigate the client's exposed skin thoroughly with copious amounts of water.Answer
- DAdminister the prescribed chemical antidote via intravenous (IV) push.
- ERemove the protective face shield and mask before taking off the contaminated gown and gloves when care is complete.
Answer
The practical nurse should put on appropriate personal protective equipment before contact, safely remove and seal the client's contaminated clothing, and thoroughly irrigate the client's skin with water.
Initial management of a hazardous chemical exposure requires prioritizing staff safety by donning appropriate protective equipment prior to contact. The client must then be rapidly decontaminated by removing saturated clothing—which must be sealed to contain toxic fumes—and washing the skin with copious amounts of water to dilute and remove the chemical.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Hazardous Material Decontamination and Scope of Practice