A nurse is caring for a child who is brought to the urgent care clinic following exposure to poison ivy 1 hr ago. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Administer an oral corticosteroid.
Apply calamine lotion to the affected area.
Instruct the parent to give the child an oatmeal bath twice daily.
Flush the area with cold, running water.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is Choice D.
Choice A rationale: Administering an oral corticosteroid is not the first action the nurse should take. Corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation and itching caused by poison ivy. However, they are usually prescribed if the symptoms are severe or if the rash covers a large area of the body. It’s important to note that corticosteroids can have side effects, especially when used for a long time, so they should be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Choice B rationale: Applying calamine lotion to the affected area can help soothe the skin and relieve itching caused by poison ivy. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take. The first step is to remove the oil from the skin that causes the allergic reaction. Calamine lotion can be applied after the area has been thoroughly washed.
Choice C rationale: Instructing the parent to give the child an oatmeal bath twice daily can help soothe the skin and relieve itching. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take. Similar to calamine lotion, an oatmeal bath can be beneficial after the area has been thoroughly washed to remove the oil from the skin.
Choice D rationale: The first action the nurse should take when caring for a child exposed to poison ivy is to flush the area with cold, running water. This helps to remove the oil (urushiol) from the skin that causes the allergic reaction. It’s important to do this as soon as possible after exposure to help prevent the spread of the oil to other areas of the body or to other people. After flushing the area, the nurse can then apply calamine lotion or recommend an oatmeal bath to help soothe the skin and relieve itching.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
This medication can cause ringing in the ears (Choice A) is not a common side effect of amoxicillin. Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) is not typically associated with the use of this antibiotic.
Choice B rationale:
This medication can cause muscle pain (Choice B) is not a common side effect of amoxicillin. Muscle pain is not among the usual adverse reactions associated with its use.
Choice C rationale:
This medication can cause loose stools (Choice C) is a relevant side effect of amoxicillin. Antibiotics, including amoxicillin, can disrupt the normal balance of gut bacteria, potentially leading to gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhea or loose stools.
Choice D rationale:
This medication can cause blurred vision (Choice D) is not a common side effect of amoxicillin. Blurred vision is not a typical adverse effect associated with the use of this antibiotic.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Washing the child's pillow in cold water twice monthly is not a relevant instruction for controlling allergens in asthma management. Asthma triggers are often related to airborne allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander, and focusing on pillow washing alone does not address the broader issue of allergen exposure.
Choice B rationale:
Using a humidifier in the child's bedroom can actually worsen asthma symptoms. Humidifiers can increase the humidity in the air, promoting the growth of mold and dust mites, which are common allergens that can trigger asthma symptoms. Therefore, this instruction is not appropriate for asthma management.
Choice C rationale:
This is the correct answer. Using a damp cloth to dust the child's furniture weekly is a relevant instruction for controlling allergens. Dusting with a damp cloth helps to capture and remove allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander from surfaces, reducing the child's exposure to these triggers and potentially minimizing asthma symptoms.
Choice D rationale:
Installing carpet in the child's bedroom is not recommended for asthma management. Carpets can harbor dust mites, mold, and other allergens that can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Hard flooring surfaces that can be easily cleaned and do not trap allergens are a better choice for individuals with asthma.
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