A community health nurse is conducting an educational program on various environmental pollutants. The nurse should emphasize that clients who have which of the following disorders are especially vulnerable to ozone effects?

Choice A reason: Performing carotid massage is not an appropriate action for a nurse to take when a client has signs of a stroke, as it may worsen the condition or cause complications. Carotid massage is a technique that involves applying pressure to the carotid artery in the neck to stimulate the vagus nerve and slow down the heart rate. It is used to treat some types of arrhythmias, such as supraventricular tachycardia. However, carotid massage may dislodge a blood clot or plaque from the carotid artery and cause an embolic stroke, which is a type of ischemic stroke that occurs when a blood clot travels to the brain and blocks a blood vessel. Carotid massage may also cause bradycardia, hypotension, or syncope, which can reduce the blood flow to the brain and worsen the ischemic damage.

Choice B reason: Calling for help is an appropriate action for a nurse to take when a client has signs of a stroke, as it initiates the emergency response and allows for prompt evaluation and treatment. Stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted, causing brain cells to die. The sooner the stroke is recognized and treated, the better the chances of survival and recovery. Therefore, the nurse should call for help as soon as possible and activate the stroke protocol in the facility.

Choice C reason: Providing the client with water to test the gag reflex is not an appropriate action for a nurse to take when a client has signs of a stroke, as it may cause aspiration or choking. A gag reflex is an involuntary contraction of the throat muscles that prevents foreign objects from entering the airway. It is tested by touching the back of the throat with a tongue depressor or a cotton swab. However, this test is not indicated in a client who has signs of a stroke, as it may trigger vomiting or coughing, which can increase intracranial pressure or cause bleeding. Moreover, giving water to a client who has signs of a stroke may be dangerous, as they may have dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) or facial weakness, which can impair their ability to swallow safely and increase the risk of aspiration pneumonia.

Choice D reason: Administering thrombolytics is not an appropriate action for a nurse to take when a client has signs of a stroke, as it may be contraindicated or harmful depending on the type and timing of the stroke. Thrombolytics are medications that dissolve blood clots and restore blood flow. They are used to treat ischemic stroke, which is caused by a blood clot that blocks a blood vessel in the brain. However, thrombolytics are not effective for hemorrhagic stroke, which is caused by bleeding into or around the brain. In fact, thrombolytics may worsen hemorrhagic stroke by increasing bleeding and intracranial pressure. Therefore, thrombolytics should only be given after confirming the type of stroke by imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Thrombolytics should also be given within a specific time window after the onset of symptoms, usually within 3 to 4.5 hours, as they may lose their effectiveness or cause complications if given too late. Therefore, administering thrombolytics is not an action that a nurse can take without proper assessment and orders from the health care provider.

Choice A reason: Continuing with the triage process is not an immediate intervention that needs to be taken by the triage nurse, as it may expose more people to the chemical hazard and worsen the situation. The triage nurse should stop the triage process and alert the emergency department staff and management about the potential contamination. The triage nurse should also follow the facility's emergency preparedness plan and protocols for dealing with chemical spills.

Choice B reason: Evacuating the emergency department is an immediate intervention that needs to be taken by the triage nurse, as it helps to protect the safety and health of the staff, clients, and visitors. The triage nurse should assist with evacuating everyone from the emergency department to a safe and designated area, away from the source of contamination. The triage nurse should also ensure that everyone is accounted for and that no one re-enters the emergency department until it is cleared by the authorities.

Choice C reason: Placing the client in a private room is not an immediate intervention that needs to be taken by the triage nurse, as it may not prevent the spread of contamination or provide adequate care to the client. The client who have been exposed to a chemical spill should not be moved to another area of the facility, as they may contaminate other people or surfaces along the way. The client should be kept in a separate and isolated area until they are decontaminated and assessed.

Choice D reason: Treating the client after contaminated items are removed is not an immediate intervention that needs to be taken by the triage nurse, as it may delay or compromise the care of the client. The client who has been exposed to a chemical spill should be treated as soon as possible, as some chemicals can cause serious or irreversible damage to the skin, eyes, lungs, or other organs. The triage nurse should provide basic life support measures, such as airway management, oxygen therapy, or bleeding control while wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). The triage nurse should also remove any contaminated clothing or jewelry from the client and place them in a sealed bag.

Choice E reason: Sending the client and EMS crew to decontamination is an immediate intervention that needs to be taken by the triage nurse, as it helps to remove or neutralize any harmful chemicals from their skin, hair, or clothing. The triage nurse should direct or escort the client and EMS crew to a designated decontamination area or unit, where they will undergo a thorough washing process with water and soap or other solutions. The triage nurse should also monitor their vital signs and symptoms during and after decontamination.