A patient is brought into the emergency department after being exposed to over 1,000 rads of radiation. Which intervention will take priority in the care of this patient?
1. Administer sedatives and analgesics.
2. Provide antibiotic therapy.
3. Prepare intravenous fluids and order a bland diet.
4. Provide antiemetics.
1
Rationale 1: The patient exposed to over 1,000 rads of radiation will have central nervous system symptoms. Death will occur within hours to days. Care involves administering sedatives and analgesics to control seizures and anxiety.
Rationale 2: Antibiotic therapy is indicated for the hematopoietic symptoms of the illness phase of acute radiation syndrome.
Rationale 3: Intravenous fluids and a bland diet would be indicated for the gastrointestinal symptoms of the illness phase of acute radiation syndrome.
Rationale 4: Antiemetics are indicated for the gastrointestinal symptoms of the illness phase of acute radiation syndrome.
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