A nurse is helping to triage a group of clients at a mass casualty incident who were involved in an explosion at a local factory. Which of the following clients should the nurse tag to be the priority for care?

Choice A: Inspecting the electrode pads is an action that the nurse should take. The electrode pads are adhesive patches that atach to the skin and connect to the ECG machine. The nurse should inspect the electrode pads for expiration date, cleanliness, and stickiness, and replace them if necessary. The nurse should also check for any signs of skin irritation or allergy from the electrode pads.

Choice B: Instructing the client not to talk during the test is an action that the nurse should take. Talking during the test can interfere with the ECG recording and cause artifacts or false readings. The nurse should instruct the client to remain still and quiet during the test, and avoid any movements or activities that can affect the heart rate or rhythm, such as coughing, deep breathing, or shivering.

Choice C: Administering an analgesic prior to the procedure is not an action that the nurse should take. An analgesic is a pain reliever that can be given orally, intravenously, or topically. An analgesic is not necessary for an ECG, as it is a noninvasive and painless procedure. An analgesic can also alter the heart rate or rhythm and affect the ECG results. The nurse should only administer an analgesic if prescribed by the provider for another reason.

Choice D:It is more common to use alcohol swabs, and not water, to clean the skin as they are better at removing oils and ensuring good adhesion of the electrodes.

Choice E: Keeping the client NPO after midnight is not an action that the nurse should take. NPO means nothing by mouth, which is a restriction of food and fluids before certain procedures or surgeries. NPO is not required for an ECG, as it does not involve any anesthesia or sedation. The nurse should allow the client to eat and drink normally before and after the test, unless instructed otherwise by the provider.

Choice A Reason: This is correct. The nurse should remove both of the elastic bandages from the leg, as they can impair blood flow and increase tissue damage. The nurse should also elevate the leg and keep it immobile to reduce venom absorption.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect. The nurse should not discharge the client, as they may develop serious complications from the snake bite, such as swelling, bleeding, infection, or shock. The client should be monitored closely and treated accordingly.

Choice C Reason: This is incorrect. The nurse should not obtain a prescription for the appropriate anti-venom, as this is not within their scope of practice. The nurse should notify the physician and provide supportive care until the physician arrives and decides whether to administer anti-venom or not.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect. The nurse should not obtain a prescription for pain medication, as this may mask the symptoms of venom toxicity or cause adverse reactions with anti-venom. The nurse should use non- pharmacological methods to relieve pain, such as ice packs or distraction.