A small amount of mercury was spilled on the floor after an old sphygmomanometer was broken. What is the priority action of the nurse?
Wipe up the liquid using paper towels and nitrile gloves.
Disinfect the area with a solution of chlorine bleach.
Contact the housekeeping staff to mop up the liquid.
Consult the agency’s materials safety data sheets (MSDS).
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: This is incorrect. Wiping up the liquid with paper towels and gloves can spread the mercury droplets and increase the risk of exposure. Mercury can also penetrate through nitrile gloves and cause skin irritation.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Disinfecting the area with chlorine bleach can create toxic vapours that can harm the respiratory system. Chlorine bleach is not effective in removing mercury from the surface.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect. Contacting the housekeeping staff to mop up the liquid can delay the proper clean-up and disposal of mercury. Mopping can also disperse the mercury droplets and contaminate the mop and the water.
Choice D reason: This is correct. Consulting the agency’s materials safety data sheets (MSDS) is the priority action of the nurse. MSDS provide information on the hazards, precautions, and procedures for handling and disposing of mercury. The nurse should follow the MSDS guidelines and use the appropriate equipment and methods to clean up the spill.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect. Turning on the television to drown out noise from other patients can worsen the sensory overload by adding more auditory stimulation. The patient may prefer a quiet and calm environment.
Choice B reason: This is correct. Instituting a unit-wide quiet time at 10:00 p.m. each night can benefit the patient by reducing the noise level and promoting rest and relaxation. The patient may sleep better and feel less agitated.
Choice C reason: This is correct. Reducing the number of visitors to the patient’s room can benefit the patient by minimizing the social and emotional demands and allowing the patient to have some privacy and personal space. The patient may feel less overwhelmed and more comfortable.
Choice D reason: This is correct. Providing a dedicated period of rest time each afternoon can benefit the patient by giving the patient a break from the sensory input and activities of the day. The patient may use this time to meditate, listen to soothing music, or do other calming activities.
Choice E reason: This is correct. Coordinating therapies and tests with other departments and providers can benefit the patient by avoiding unnecessary duplication or interruption of services and ensuring a smooth and consistent care plan. The patient may feel less stressed and more confident.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect. Hydromorphone 0.5 mg IV is not the best option for providing consistent control of the patient's chronic pain. Hydromorphone is a potent opioid analgesic that can relieve severe pain, but it has a short duration of action. It is given intravenously, which means it has a rapid onset and peak, but also a rapid decline and elimination. The patient may experience fluctuations in pain relief and need frequent doses.
Choice B reason: This is correct. Fentanyl transdermal patch 25 mcg is the best option for providing consistent control of the patient's chronic pain. Fentanyl is a potent opioid analgesic that can relieve severe pain, but it has a long duration of action. It is given transdermally, which means it is absorbed through the skin and released slowly and steadily into the bloodstream. The patient may experience continuous and stable pain relief and need less frequent doses.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect. Fentanyl oral lozenge 200 mcg is not the best option for providing consistent control of the patient's chronic pain. Fentanyl is a potent opioid analgesic that can relieve severe pain, but it has a short duration of action. It is given orally, which means it has to pass through the digestive system and the liver before reaching the bloodstream. The patient may experience delayed and variable pain relief and need frequent doses.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect. Morphine sulfate liquid 10 mg is not the best option for providing consistent control of the patient's chronic pain. Morphine is a moderate opioid analgesic that can relieve moderate to severe pain, but it has a short duration of action. It is given orally, which means it has to pass through the digestive system and the liver before reaching the bloodstream. The patient may experience delayed and variable pain relief and need frequent doses.
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