A 54-year-old patient arrives in the emergency department (ED) after exposure to powdered lime at work. Which action should the nurse take first?
a. Obtain the patient's vital signs.
b. Obtain a baseline complete blood count.
c. Decontaminate the patient by showering with water.
d. Brush off any visible powder on the skin and clothing.
ANS: D
The initial action should be to protect staff members and decrease the patient's exposure to the toxin by decontamination. Patients exposed to powdered lime should not be showered; instead any/all visible powder should be brushed off. The other actions can be done after the decontamination is completed.
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