A client presents to the emergency department walk-in entrance following an industrial accident. The client's clothing and exposed skin are heavily covered in an unidentified dry, powdery chemical. The client is highly distressed and reports intense burning on their arms and chest. Which action should the triage nurse take first?
- AEscort the client into a negative-pressure trauma room to quickly assess their airway, breathing, and circulation.
- Don appropriate personal protective equipment, keep the client outside the facility, and carefully brush the powder off the skin.Answer
- CImmediately direct the client to the indoor decontamination shower and flush the skin with copious amounts of water.
- DDelegate unlicensed assistive personnel to remove the contaminated clothing while the nurse contacts the regional Poison Control Center.
Answer
The priority action is to don appropriate personal protective equipment, keep the client outside the facility to prevent contamination of the emergency department, and carefully brush the dry chemical powder off the skin and clothing.
When a client is exposed to an unidentified dry chemical powder, the immediate priorities are to prevent further injury to the client and to protect the healthcare facility and personnel from secondary contamination. A contaminated client must remain outside the facility until properly decontaminated. Furthermore, dry chemicals must be carefully brushed off the skin and clothing before any water is applied. Adding water to an unknown dry chemical can cause a severe exothermic (heat-releasing) reaction, which can result in extensive thermal burns.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Decontamination Protocols