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 nurse is caring for a client exposed to a blistering agent. While the nurse is quickly decontaminating the client by showering and bagging all client clothing, what is the nurse simultaneously assessing for?

  • A. Neurological compromise
  • B. Respiratory compromise
  • C. Cardiovascular compromise
  • D. Sensory neglect
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A person exposed to a blistering agent or vesicant must be decontaminated immediately, with clothing removed and bagged. Irrigation of the victim's eyes and application of topical analgesia, antibiotics, and lubricants to the skin occur. Simultaneously, the nurse is assessing the respiratory system for airway obstruction because blisters from inhaled toxics can swell obstructing respiratory passages.