A nurse is delegating tasks to the assistive personnel (AP). The nurse should direct the AP to complete which of the following tasks first?

Choice A reason: Administering an antipyretic is not the next action that the nurse should initiate. An antipyretic is a medication that lowers fever, which is a common symptom of meningococcal meningitis. However, fever is not a life-threatening condition, and it may have some beneficial effects on fighting infection. The nurse should first prioritize other actions that are more urgent or critical for the client's safety and outcome.

Choice B reason: Decreasing environmental stimuli is not the next action that the nurse should initiate. Decreasing environmental stimuli is a nursing intervention that can help reduce agitation, confusion, or seizures in clients with meningococcal meningitis. However, it is not an immediate or essential action, and it may not be effective if the client's condition worsens or progresses to coma.

Choice C reason: Assessing the cranial nerves is the next action that the nurse should initiate. Cranial nerve assessment is a neurological examination that evaluates the function of 12 pairs of nerves that originate from the brainstem and control various sensory and motor functions, such as vision, hearing, smell, taste, facial expression, eye movement, swallowing, speech, and balance. Meningococcal meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, which are the membranes that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord. Meningeal inflammation can compress or damage the cranial nerves, causing various signs and symptoms, such as headache, photophobia, diplopia, facial palsy, dysphagia, dysarthria, or nystagmus. Assessing the cranial nerves can help detect any neurological deficits or complications early, and guide appropriate interventions or referrals.

Choice D reason: Completing a vascular assessment is not the next action that the nurse should initiate. A vascular assessment is a physical examination that evaluates the blood flow and circulation in different parts of the body, such as the arms, legs, abdomen, or neck. It may include checking pulses, blood pressure, capillary refill, skin color, temperature, or edema. A vascular assessment may be relevant for some clients with meningococcal meningitis who develop septic shock or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), which are serious conditions that affect blood vessels and clotting factors. However, these are not common or early manifestations of meningococcal meningitis, and they require more advanced or specialized assessments and treatments.

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.