Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Disaster Situations Related

Review Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Disaster Situations related questions and content

The emergency department nurse is caring for clients involved in a chlorine exposure accident at a local chemical plant. The nurse is aware that permanent damage can occur to which body systems?

  • A. Cardiac
  • B. Respiratory
  • C. Renal
  • D. Hepatic
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The consequences of exposure to chlorine and other respiratory toxins are related to the amount, route, and length of chemical exposure. Death occurs as fluid infiltrates the pulmonary air spaces and terminal bronchioles interfering with gas exchange. Following recovery from an acute event, victims may develop chronic bronchitis and emphysema.