Author Question: A patient is brought to the emergency department after ingestion of an unknown substance. The ... (Read 41 times)

michelleunicorn · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A patient is brought to the emergency department after ingestion of an unknown substance. The patient has been vomiting and complains of abdominal pain.

The nurse observes that the patient's oral mucous membranes are dry, the heart rate is 88 beats per minute, and the blood pressure is 90/60 mm Hg. The nurse will prepare to initially:
a. administer an antiemetic.
b. give activated charcoal.
c. infuse normal saline as an IV bolus.
d. obtain blood for toxicology testing.

Question 2

A child is admitted to the hospital after a routine lead screen reveals an elevated serum lead level. The prescriber has ordered edetate calcium disodium (calcium EDTA) as a chelating agent. During this drug treatment, the nurse will expect to:

a. collect a daily urine specimen.
b. give the medication on an empty stomach.
c. monitor the child's heart rate and blood pressure.
d. request orders for liver function tests.

Melissahxx · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Initial treatment for poisoning involves supportive care. IV infusions of normal saline or Ringer's solution should be given to restore volume lost by vomiting. Antiemetics are not indicated. Activated charcoal is given when the ingested substance is known and only if it will help neutralize the substance. Toxicology testing is important, but supportive care is provided initially.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Edetate calcium disodium (calcium EDTA) is administered to children as a chelating agent for lead poisoning. Its principle toxicity is renal tubular necrosis, as evidenced by hematuria and proteinuria. Daily urinalysis should be performed. The medication is given IV or IM, not orally. The drug does not have significant effects on the heart rate or blood pressure. It does not cause hepatotoxicity.