Question 1

A patient who ingested a bottle of acetaminophen tablets is brought to the emergency department. Which treatment is indicated?&#10;A) Flumazenil&#10;B) N-acetylcysteine&#10;C) Naloxone&#10;D) Supportive care only

Accepted Answer

Ingestion of a bottle of acetaminophen tablets can cause liver damage and N-acetylcysteine is the antidote to acetaminophen toxicity. It is indicated to be given within 8-10 hours of ingestion to prevent liver damage. Flumazenil is a reversal agent for benzodiazepines, naloxone is a reversal agent for opioids, and supportive care only is not sufficient for acetaminophen toxicity.

Question 2

What is the priority in emergency management of a biological terrorism attack?&#10;A) Basic life support&#10;B) Communication with authorities&#10;C) Containing the exposures&#10;D) Informing the public of the risk

Accepted Answer

The priority in emergency management of a biological terrorism attack is to contain the exposures. This involves identifying the agent, determining the extent and location of exposure, implementing measures to prevent further exposure, and providing medical treatment to those affected. Basic life support and informing the public of the risk are important, but containing the exposure is the most urgent priority. Communication with authorities is also important, but it typically occurs concurrently with the other actions.

Question 3

During chemistry class, a nursing student has accidentally splashed a chemical into his or her left eye. What intervention has priority while awaiting the arrival of the emergency medical service (EMS) personnel?

A) Flushing the eye with water
B) Removing the student to a quiet, dark area
C) Encouraging the student to relax and remain calm
D) Securing a sample of the chemical to be given to EMS

A

Accepted Answer

Flushing the eye with water is the priority intervention for chemical splashes to the eye. It can help to reduce the amount of chemical that is absorbed and/or limit the extent of damage that can occur to the eye tissues. The flushing should be done immediately and repeated continuously until EMS arrives. It is also important to know the type of chemical involved to inform EMS personnel for appropriate treatment. Encouraging the student to relax and remain calm can also help to reduce anxiety and stress, but it is not the priority intervention in this situation. Removing the student to a quiet, dark area can be helpful in some cases, but it is not as important as flushing the eye with water. Securing a sample of the chemical may be helpful, but it is not as important as providing immediate and continuous flushing of the eye.

Deck 31: Poisoning