A nurse in the emergency department is preparing to irrigate the eyes of a client who received a chemical splash on their face. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Completely irrigate one eye before irrigating the second eye.
Inform the client they will need to blink their eyes rapidly during the irrigation process.
Delay the irrigation process until the type of chemical in the eyes is identified.
Ask the client to count the number of fingers held up by the nurse prior to irrigating their eyes.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Completely irrigating one eye before irrigating the second eye is the correct action to take when a client receives a chemical splash on their face. This approach helps prevent the potential spread of the chemical from one eye to the other. Irrigation should be done immediately to flush out the chemical and minimize its harmful effects.
Choice B rationale:
Informing the client to blink their eyes rapidly during the irrigation process is not recommended. Blinking may exacerbate the dispersion of the chemical and could lead to further damage to the eyes. Instead, the client should keep their eyes open during irrigation.
Choice C rationale:
Delaying the irrigation process until the type of chemical in the eyes is identified is not appropriate. Time is critical in minimizing the impact of the chemical on the eyes. Immediate irrigation is essential, regardless of the type of chemical, to remove the substance from the eyes.
Choice D rationale:
Asking the client to count the number of fingers held up by the nurse before irrigating their eyes is not relevant in this situation. The priority is to initiate immediate irrigation to remove the chemical from the eyes. Assessing the client's visual acuity can be done later in the evaluation process after the eyes have been irrigated.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Expiratory rhonchi are typically associated with conditions such as chronic bronchitis or asthma but are not specific to pulmonary embolism.
Choice B rationale:
Petechiae over the lower extremities is not a characteristic finding in pulmonary embolism. Petechiae are tiny red or purple spots that appear due to bleeding under the skin and may be associated with other conditions like thrombocytopenia.
Choice C rationale:
The correct choice. Hemoptysis, which refers to coughing up blood, is a concerning finding in pulmonary embolism. It occurs due to the obstruction of blood flow in the pulmonary vasculature, leading to blood leaking into the lungs.
Choice D rationale:
Flattened neck veins are more likely to be observed in conditions associated with decreased venous return to the heart, such as hypovolemia or cardiac tamponade, and are not directly related to pulmonary embolism.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Papilledema refers to swelling of the optic disc in the eye, which can occur due to increased intracranial pressure. While it may be present in cases of basilar skull fracture, it is not a reliable finding for determining the discharge of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Choice B rationale:
The halo sign is a reliable finding for determining that the nasal discharge is cerebrospinal fluid. The halo sign is characterized by a ring of blood surrounded by a clear or yellowish fluid (CSF) on a dressing or tissue. This occurs because blood from the fracture mixes with the clear CSF, creating a distinct appearance.
Choice C rationale:
Racoon's eyes, also known as periorbital ecchymosis, is a term used to describe bruising around the eyes. While it can be seen in basilar skull fractures, it is not specific to cerebrospinal fluid leakage and, therefore, not reliable for identifying the nasal discharge as CSF.
Choice D rationale:
Elevated white blood cells (WBCs) in the nasal discharge can indicate infection, inflammation, or an immune response. However, it does not provide direct evidence that the discharge is cerebrospinal fluid, so this is not a reliable finding for determining the nature of the nasal discharge in this context.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today