An awake, alert 4-year-old child has just arrived at the ...

[cookcarl]

An awake, alert 4-year-old child has just arrived at the emergency department after an ingestion of aspirin at home. The practitioner has ordered activated charcoal. The nurse administers charcoal in which manner?
 
  a. Giving half of the solution and then repeating the other half in 1 hour
  b. Mixing with a flavorful beverage in an opaque container with a straw
  c. Serving it in a clear plastic cup so the child can see how much has been drunk
  d. Administering it through a nasogastric tube because the child will not drink it because of the taste

Question 2

A young boy is found squirting lighter fluid into his mouth. His father calls the emergency department. The nurse taking the call should know that the primary danger is what?
 
  a. Hepatic dysfunction
  b. Dehydration secondary to vomiting
  c. Esophageal stricture and shock
  d. Bronchitis and chemical pneumonia

[JCABRERA33]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Although activated charcoal can be mixed with a flavorful sugar-free beverage, it will be black and resemble mud. When it is served in an opaque container, the child will not have any preconceived ideas about its being distasteful. The ability to see the charcoal solution may affect the child's desire to drink the solution. The child should be encouraged to drink the solution all at once. The nasogastric tube would be traumatic. It should be used only in children who cannot be cooperative or those without a gag reflex.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Lighter fluid is a hydrocarbon. The immediate danger is aspiration. Acetaminophen overdose, not hydrocarbons, causes hepatic dysfunction. Dehydration is not the primary danger. Esophageal stricture is a late or chronic consequence of hydrocarbon ingestion.

[cookcarl]

Correct answers!

[JCABRERA33]

Great! Please up vote