A patient is brought into the emergency department after being exposed to over 1,000 rads of radiation. Which of the following should be done first to support this patient?
1. Administer sedatives and analgesics.
2. Provide antiemetics.
3. Prepare intravenous fluids and order a bland diet.
4. Provide antibiotic therapy.
Administer sedatives and analgesics.
Rationale: 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. Antiemetics, intravenous fluids, and a bland diet would be indicated for the gastrointestinal symptoms of the illness phase of acute radiation syndrome. Antibiotic therapy is indicated for the hematopoietic symptoms of the illness phase of acute radiation syndrome.
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