A nurse is admitting a child with a chemical burn to the eye. The ...

[cdr_15]

A nurse is admitting a child with a chemical burn to the eye. The nurse questions the EMS personnel about initial care at the time of the injury. The nurse understands that initial care of the child with a chemical burn to the eye(s) is focused on:
 
  a. irrigation of the affected eye(s).
  b. application of topical steroids.
  c. administration of an analgesic.
  d. administration of medication to constrict the pupils.

Question 2

What is the nurse's immediate action when a child comes to the emergency department with sweating, chills, and fang bite marks on the thigh?
 
  a. Secure antivenin.
  b. Apply a tourniquet to the leg.
  c. Ambulate the child.
  d. Reassure the child and parent.

[pallen55]

Answer to Question 1

A
Chemical eye burns are an ocular emergency and are best managed by immediate irrigation of the eye(s) with water or normal saline solution. Topical steroids usually are applied after irrigation. Caring for a frightened child is very difficult. Pain medication may help the child cope with the situation, but the initial care is irrigation. Further treatment may include the use of medications to dilate the pupils to decrease the risk of adhesions.

Answer to Question 2

A
Antivenin is essential to the child's survival because the child is showing signs of envenomation. The use of a tourniquet is no longer recommended. When a bite or envenomation is located on an extremity, the extremity should be immobilized. Envenomation is a potentially life-threatening condition. False reassurance is not helpful for building a trusting relationship.