A child is brought to the emergency department in a coma. The mother thinks the child may have ingested a poison. Which will the nurse assess based on this information? Select all that apply
1. For oral burns
2. The child's breath
3. The child's vomitus
4. Hair samples
5. Blood and urine toxicology screens
1, 2, 3, 5
Explanation:
1. Corrosives often leave evidence of burns on the mouth and gums.
2. The breath may have characteristic odors that may help identify the poison.
3. The vomitus may contain leaves, indicating the child has eaten a plant or other items that may provide information on the toxin.
4. Hair samples can be used to test drug use over a period of time. It would not contain any valuable information for this child.
5. These tests will look for a wide variety of toxins.
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