The patient has been exposed to a nerve agent. For which symptoms ...

[nmorano1]

The patient has been exposed to a nerve agent. For which symptoms will the nurse most likely assess?
 
  1. Salivation, involuntary urination, and convulsions
  2. Dilated pupils and increased blood pressure and heart rate
  3. Pinpoint pupils, decreased blood pressure, and increased heart rate
  4. Rapid breathing and cold, clammy skin

Question 2

The patient tells the nurse that she is concerned about terrorist activity and questions if everyone should be immunized against smallpox. What is the best response by the nurse?
 
  1. The vaccine has side effects, which are serious and could kill many people.
  2. I really do not think our country has enough vaccine to do this.
  3. Don't be so concerned; if an attack comes, we will immunize people then.
  4. The vaccine has some serious side effects, but this is probably a good idea.

[maaaaaaaaaa]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale: Symptoms of nerve gas exposure are related to overstimulation of acetylcholine, and can result in salivation, involuntary urination, and convulsions. The nerve agent blocks acetylcholinesteras e. Dilated pupils and increased blood pressure and heart rate are symptoms of sympathetic nervous system stimulation. Pinpoint pupils, decreased blood pressure, and increased heart rate are not symptoms of overstimulation of acetylcholine. Rapid breathing and cold, clammy skin are not symptoms of overstimulation of acetylcholine.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale: An estimated 75,000 Americans could die if all Americans were vaccinated against smallpox. There is enough vaccine for all Americans to be vaccinated against smallpox. Telling a patient not to be concerned is a condescending and non-therapeutic response. Mass immunization is not warranted at this time, so it is not a good idea to vaccinate everyone against smallpox.

[nmorano1]

Excellent

[bblaney]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it